CVE-2015-2444 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-2442.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2444 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 through 11. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause denial of service conditions through the exploitation of malformed web content. The flaw operates within the browser's memory management mechanisms, specifically targeting the way Internet Explorer handles certain data structures during web page rendering and processing. The vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2015-2442, indicating separate code paths and exploitation techniques that require different defensive approaches. This type of memory corruption vulnerability typically arises when the browser fails to properly validate input data or when buffer overflows occur during memory allocation and deallocation processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves sophisticated exploitation techniques that leverage Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine and rendering components. Attackers craft malicious web pages containing specially constructed data that, when processed by the vulnerable browser, triggers memory corruption conditions. The flaw likely stems from inadequate bounds checking or improper memory handling during the processing of web content, potentially involving ActiveXObject manipulation, DOM traversal, or script execution contexts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The exploitation process typically requires the victim to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted document that triggers the vulnerable code path within the browser's memory management subsystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2444 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments and individual users. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face potential compromise of user systems, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in corporate networks where users frequently browse the internet. The memory corruption aspect also introduces denial of service risks that can render browsers unusable or cause system instability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1203 for exploitation of web applications, demonstrating the multi-faceted attack surface it presents. The vulnerability affects a wide range of enterprise environments where legacy Internet Explorer versions remain in use, particularly in industries that have not fully migrated to modern browser platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2444 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official Microsoft security bulletins. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential exploitation impact. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should verify that all Internet Explorer installations have been properly updated and that legacy versions have been decommissioned. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and attachments, as social engineering remains a common delivery method for such exploits. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software security patches and the risks associated with running unsupported browser versions in enterprise environments.