CVE-2015-1750 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-2015-1742, CVE-2015-1747, and CVE-2015-1753.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2022
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that trigger memory corruption during normal browser operations, leading to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These memory corruption vulnerabilities typically occur when applications fail to properly validate input data or manage memory allocation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute malicious code. The flaw specifically impacts Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine and rendering components, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts where users encounter untrusted content regularly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains in use, as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site. The attack surface is broad since any web page could potentially host the malicious payload, and the vulnerability affects users across different operating system versions. Organizations using legacy Internet Explorer installations face elevated risk levels, as the browser's outdated security architecture makes it more susceptible to such memory corruption exploits.
The attack pattern associated with CVE-2015-1750 follows typical remote code execution vectors described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through web-based attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the persistent threat landscape where browser-based attacks remain a primary vector for malware delivery and system compromise. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader class of memory corruption issues that require comprehensive patch management strategies, browser hardening measures, and user education initiatives to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as well as implementing additional security controls such as enhanced browser sandboxing, restricted internet access policies, and network-based protections like web application firewalls. Organizations should also consider migrating away from Internet Explorer to more modern browsers with better security track records and active support. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software security practices and demonstrates why legacy browser support creates ongoing security challenges that require careful risk assessment and remediation planning.