CVE-2015-2406 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-2015-2385, CVE-2015-2390, CVE-2015-2397, CVE-2015-2404, and CVE-2015-2422.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations when processing specially crafted web content, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious code into the target system. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer encounters malformed data structures during rendering processes, leading to unpredictable memory behavior that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption techniques that leverage the browser's rendering engine to manipulate heap memory structures. Attackers craft malicious web pages containing specially formatted data that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within Internet Explorer's memory management systems. These conditions can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious web pages, phishing campaigns, or compromised websites that serve the malicious content to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for automated exploit delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2406 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling adversaries to gain access to system resources through exploitation of browser vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under T1059 for command and control operations once initial access is achieved. The memory corruption nature means that exploitation can lead to privilege escalation opportunities, allowing attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are common attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected Internet Explorer versions, as Microsoft released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in their regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including restricted browsing environments, enhanced security zones, and application whitelisting policies to limit the attack surface. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce reliance on any single security control mechanism.