CVE-2015-1712 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1691.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing malformed or crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in affected IE versions, triggers memory corruption conditions leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw exists in the browser's scripting engine and memory management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2015-1691, indicating separate code paths and exploitation mechanisms within the browser's architecture.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-1712 relies on memory corruption patterns that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or execute malicious code within the browser process space. The vulnerability typically manifests through heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that occur when IE processes certain HTML elements or JavaScript constructs. These memory corruption issues can be triggered through various attack vectors including malformed HTML tables, complex CSS styling, or crafted JavaScript code that manipulates memory structures in unexpected ways. The exploitation process often involves crafting specific web content that forces the browser into a state where memory corruption occurs, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the logged-in user. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-125, out-of-bounds read, which are common memory corruption patterns in browser environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent access for attackers. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can provide attackers with complete control over affected systems, enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy IE8 and IE9 browsers, which are often found in enterprise environments where browser upgrades are delayed due to compatibility concerns or lack of resources. This creates a significant risk for organizations that have not migrated away from these outdated browser versions, as they remain exposed to attacks targeting this memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where users have administrative privileges, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and lateral movement within network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1712 focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term remediation approaches. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching through Microsoft's security updates, as this vulnerability was addressed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-034. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using enhanced security configurations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and restricting user access to potentially malicious websites through proxy servers and content filtering solutions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies. Long-term mitigation includes migrating away from unsupported browser versions and implementing robust browser lifecycle management policies to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting legacy systems.