CVE-2015-2445 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted web site, aka "ASLR Bypass."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 contains a critical vulnerability that enables remote attackers to circumvent Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanisms through malicious web content. This vulnerability represents a significant bypass of fundamental operating system security controls designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption flaws. The flaw exists within the browser's handling of memory addresses and executable code placement, allowing adversaries to predict or determine memory layout patterns that should otherwise be randomized for security purposes. The vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 10 running on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and other supported platforms where ASLR is implemented as a security mitigation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Internet Explorer's rendering engine and memory allocation routines. When processing crafted web content, the browser fails to properly randomize memory addresses for executable code segments, allowing attackers to determine the locations of critical system components and libraries. This weakness enables exploitation of subsequent memory corruption vulnerabilities by providing attackers with the precise memory addresses needed to execute malicious code successfully. The flaw essentially undermines the core principle of ASLR which randomizes the memory layout of processes to prevent attackers from reliably predicting where code segments will be loaded. According to CWE-119, this represents a weakness in memory protection mechanisms that allows for information exposure and privilege escalation through predictable memory addressing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to enable full remote code execution capabilities when combined with other exploit techniques. Attackers can leverage this ASLR bypass to successfully compromise systems running Internet Explorer 10 by constructing malicious web pages that defeat memory protection mechanisms. This creates a dangerous attack vector for phishing campaigns, drive-by download scenarios, and targeted attacks against organizations using older browser versions. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where legacy systems may still be running Internet Explorer 10, as these systems often lack proper patch management processes that would address such critical security flaws. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can use the bypassed ASLR to establish persistent access through automated exploitation chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser lifecycle management policies to ensure all systems run current, patched versions of Internet Explorer or transition to supported browser alternatives. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense, though these measures are not foolproof against sophisticated attacks. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious browser behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in memory management can create significant security risks. Organizations must prioritize automated patch management systems and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other browser components or operating system services.