CVE-2015-1732 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 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-2015-1742, CVE-2015-1747, CVE-2015-1750, and CVE-2015-1753.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how IE processes certain web elements. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render or execute specific JavaScript or HTML elements. The vulnerability operates at a low level within the browser's memory management system, allowing attackers to manipulate memory addresses and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which encompasses memory safety issues including buffer overflows, use-after-free errors, and other memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1732 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include full system compromise capabilities. When exploited, the vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious code remotely without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks. The memory corruption occurs during normal browsing operations, meaning users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website or viewing a crafted email attachment that renders in IE. This vulnerability affects the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering pipeline, creating opportunities for attackers to leverage the flaw through various attack vectors including drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, and compromised websites. The exploitability characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious websites to deliver payloads that can compromise systems through browser vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features, restricting access to potentially malicious websites through security software, and employing web application firewalls to filter suspicious traffic. Network segmentation and user access controls can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or file modifications that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify systems that may be vulnerable to similar memory corruption issues, while maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds can provide early warning of related attacks targeting this class of vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing enterprise applications and systems.