CVE-2015-2427 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2427 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 9 running on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and other supported operating systems where the browser is installed. The flaw resides in how Internet Explorer 9 processes certain web content, particularly in its handling of memory allocation and object management within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious web pages that trigger the memory corruption when users visit the site, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to bypass security mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the browser's JavaScript engine and HTML parser to manipulate memory structures in unintended ways, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Security researchers have classified this as a remote exploitation vector that does not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly insidious in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain elevated system access, and the vulnerability can also be used to perform denial of service attacks that render the browser or system unusable. Organizations running Internet Explorer 9 are particularly at risk because the browser lacks modern security mitigations and defense-in-depth features that have been implemented in later browser versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping browser software updated and implementing network security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the multi-stage nature of attacks that can leverage such memory corruption flaws. The exploitability of CVE-2015-2427 was demonstrated in numerous real-world attacks targeting enterprise networks where Internet Explorer 9 remained in use, often serving as an initial access vector for more sophisticated attack chains. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that included memory safety improvements and enhanced input validation within the browser's rendering engine. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser hardening, network segmentation, and user education to reduce exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify legacy browser installations that pose significant security risks to enterprise environments. Given the widespread use of Internet Explorer 9 in certain enterprise environments, this vulnerability became a focal point for security professionals seeking to understand the risks associated with outdated browser software and the challenges of maintaining secure computing environments in organizations with legacy technology dependencies.