CVE-2015-1766 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 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-2015-1735, CVE-2015-1740, CVE-2015-1744, and CVE-2015-1745.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1766 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, exposing users to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory structures during web page rendering, creating opportunities for remote code execution or denial of service attacks. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects such a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, spanning over a decade of browser releases and encompassing both legacy and modern iterations of the software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, specifically when processing malformed or crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption during normal browsing operations. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation technique that manipulates memory pointers and heap structures, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory handling can create persistent security risks in complex software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1766 extends far beyond simple system crashes or application instability, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute malicious code on vulnerable systems. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The wide range of affected Internet Explorer versions means that organizations with legacy systems or those slow to update their software remain at significant risk, as the vulnerability persists across multiple browser generations. This creates a substantial attack surface that security professionals must address through immediate patching and system hardening measures.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through Microsoft's security updates and patches, as the risk of exploitation remains high given the broad range of affected systems. Security teams must also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block malicious web content. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in mitigating the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches, as outlined in the mitre attack framework's techniques for privilege escalation and execution. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation technologies and mandatory security updates as part of their overall cybersecurity strategy to address similar vulnerabilities that may arise in the future.