CVE-2015-1767 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 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-2015-2401 and CVE-2015-2408.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements that trigger buffer overflows or heap corruption. The flaw exists in the way the browser allocates and manages memory when parsing specific JavaScript or HTML constructs, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any additional user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement within network environments. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of malformed web content, where the browser fails to properly validate input parameters before allocating memory buffers, resulting in unauthorized memory access patterns that can be manipulated to execute malicious instructions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path when rendered by Internet Explorer, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users simply need to visit compromised websites to be affected. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability shares characteristics with other memory corruption flaws but represents a distinct issue from CVE-2015-2401 and CVE-2015-2408, which indicates the presence of multiple related vulnerabilities in the same software component. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire enterprise networks, as compromised systems can serve as entry points for broader attacks. Organizations running these older browser versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or where legacy applications depend on these outdated browser versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software updated and implementing robust security measures such as browser isolation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the memory handling routines and implemented additional input validation checks to prevent the conditions that lead to memory corruption. The remediation process involves applying the appropriate security patches and ensuring that all affected systems are updated to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider deploying additional security controls such as sandboxing or browser hardening measures to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications and the critical need for continuous security assessments and timely patch management to protect against zero-day exploits and known vulnerabilities that remain unpatched in enterprise environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the technique of exploitation for execution, where attackers leverage memory corruption weaknesses to achieve code execution on target systems. The remediation process requires comprehensive vulnerability management strategies that include regular patch deployment, user education about safe browsing practices, and implementation of layered security controls to defend against various attack vectors that target web browsers and their underlying components.