CVE-2015-1753 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-2015-1750.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability arises 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 browsing operations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that are commonly classified under CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-416 Use After Free patterns. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the browser's JavaScript engine and HTML parsing capabilities to deliver malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to craft specific web content that can trigger the memory corruption during page rendering or script execution. When Internet Explorer processes the malicious content, it fails to properly validate memory allocations or deallocations, leading to corrupted memory structures that can be manipulated to execute attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The memory corruption typically occurs in the browser's memory management subsystem, where improper bounds checking or invalid pointer operations can be exploited to gain control over the execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and data theft. Successful exploitation can allow attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer 11 on supported Windows operating systems, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where legacy browser support is maintained. Organizations may experience service disruptions through denial of service conditions, where the memory corruption causes browser crashes or system instability. The vulnerability's similarity to other CVEs in the same year indicates a pattern of memory corruption issues within Microsoft's browser codebase, suggesting potential architectural weaknesses in memory management or input validation. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through social engineering campaigns targeting users who regularly browse the internet, making it a common attack vector for advanced persistent threats and nation-state actors.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory corruption flaws in the browser's rendering engine. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential damage from exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser software up to date and implementing multi-layered security approaches that include user education about phishing risks and suspicious website visits. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated browser versions that may be susceptible to similar memory corruption attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating to more secure browser alternatives that have better memory safety features and more frequent security updates to reduce their exposure to such vulnerabilities.