CVE-2015-1754 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1754 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 8 running on Windows operating systems and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex browser rendering engines that process untrusted web content. The flaw arises from improper memory management during the processing of certain web page elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory validation within Internet Explorer 8's JavaScript engine and rendering components. When processing specially crafted web pages containing malformed or maliciously constructed elements, the browser fails to properly validate memory allocations and deallocations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw 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.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Internet Explorer 8 for business operations, as it can be exploited through drive-by downloads or compromised websites that users may visit innocently. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The denial of service aspect of the vulnerability means that even successful exploitation may not always result in code execution, but rather system instability that can disrupt business operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate user access to systems through compromised web browsers, and demonstrates how browser-based attacks can bypass traditional network security controls.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through Microsoft's security patches and updates, as this vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild since its disclosure. System administrators should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary plugins and features, implementing strict security zones, and deploying automated patch management systems can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining current security software to prevent exploitation of this and similar browser vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the risks associated with legacy browser support in enterprise environments.