CVE-2015-2452 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 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-2015-2441.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2452 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 through 11. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. The flaw operates as a distinct issue from CVE-2015-2441, indicating separate code paths and exploitation mechanisms within the browser's memory management systems. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through routine web browsing activities, making them highly prevalent in real-world attack scenarios.
The technical nature of this memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within Internet Explorer's rendering engine. When processing malformed web content, the browser fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to buffer overflows or heap corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the application writes data beyond allocated memory regions or reads from uninitialized memory locations. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious web pages that trigger specific memory access patterns, ultimately leading to code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2452 extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face potential compromise through drive-by download attacks, where visiting malicious websites automatically triggers the vulnerability without user interaction. The attack surface is particularly broad given that Internet Explorer 7 through 11 were widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability an attractive target for threat actors. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078, covering valid accounts for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2452 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor released specific fixes addressing the memory corruption issue. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and restricting access to untrusted web content. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security patch management and the risks associated with maintaining legacy browser versions in enterprise environments. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Internet Explorer versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly, as the complexity of memory corruption vulnerabilities often makes them difficult to detect through standard security scanning tools.