CVE-2015-1742 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-2015-1732, CVE-2015-1747, CVE-2015-1750, and CVE-2015-1753.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web content structures. The flaw exists in the way the browser manages memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-1732, CVE-2015-1747, CVE-2015-1750, and CVE-2015-1753, this particular issue demonstrates distinct characteristics in its exploitation methodology and memory manipulation techniques. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, representing out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and unauthorized code execution. Security researchers have classified this as a severe remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited through drive-by download scenarios or malicious websites designed to trigger the memory corruption flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specially designed web content that forces Internet Explorer to access memory locations outside of allocated bounds. Attackers can leverage this memory corruption to overwrite critical memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific HTML elements or JavaScript code that triggers improper memory management within Internet Explorer's engine. This flaw particularly affects systems running Internet Explorer 11 on Windows operating systems, with the vulnerability being most pronounced when users navigate to compromised websites or view malicious web content. The attack vector typically requires user interaction through visiting a malicious website, though the execution can occur automatically if the browser is configured to automatically load content. The exploitation process often involves creating specific memory conditions that cause the browser to corrupt its own memory structures, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability's memory corruption nature makes it particularly dangerous as it can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions, affecting normal user operations. Organizations running Internet Explorer 11 are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector, especially those with users who frequently browse the internet or access untrusted websites. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system file manipulation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Security professionals have noted that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect and remediate due to its memory-based nature and the sophisticated techniques required to exploit it effectively.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory corruption flaw in Internet Explorer 11. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, enabling enhanced security settings, and restricting access to potentially malicious websites. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes deploying the Microsoft Security Update for Internet Explorer 11, which provides specific fixes for the memory corruption vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about safe browsing practices and the importance of avoiding untrusted websites. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK matrix technique T1203 suggests that defensive measures should include monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and implementing application control policies to prevent unauthorized code execution. Organizations should also consider migrating away from Internet Explorer to more secure modern browsers that have better memory management and security features.