CVE-2015-1736 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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-2015-1731, CVE-2015-1737, and CVE-2015-1755.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1736 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory allocation and management during web page rendering processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling, leading to potential system compromise or denial of service conditions. This vulnerability operates independently from other related issues such as CVE-2015-1731, CVE-2015-1737, and CVE-2015-1755, indicating distinct code paths and exploitation mechanisms within the browser's architecture.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability involves improper handling of memory objects during JavaScript execution and DOM manipulation processes. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, cause the browser to allocate or access memory in unexpected ways, leading to memory corruption. This typically occurs through manipulation of object references, buffer overflows, or use-after-free conditions within the browser's rendering engine. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The memory corruption allows attackers to potentially overwrite critical memory locations, enabling code execution with the privileges of the affected user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Internet Explorer 10 and 11, particularly in enterprise environments where these older browser versions may still be in use. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for users who visit compromised websites or click on malicious links. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The denial of service component of this vulnerability can also be leveraged to disrupt business operations by making browsers unavailable to legitimate users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security updates, disabling Internet Explorer 10 and 11 where possible, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting ActiveX controls, and employing sandboxing technologies. Additionally, regular security assessments and user awareness training should be conducted to minimize the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering or drive-by download attacks.