CVE-2015-2484 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11 uses an incorrect flag during certain filesystem accesses, which allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors, aka "Tampering Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2484 represents a critical file system tampering issue affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11. This flaw manifests through the improper handling of filesystem access flags during specific operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute unauthorized file deletion actions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system file permissions, exploiting a fundamental flaw in how Internet Explorer manages file system interactions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to target arbitrary files on the victim's system through unspecified attack vectors that typically involve malicious web content or compromised websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Internet Explorer's incorrect flag usage during filesystem operations, which directly relates to CWE-248, an issue involving an exception not being properly handled for the specific situation. When the browser processes certain file system requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the access flags used in the underlying operating system calls. This misconfiguration allows malicious code to manipulate the filesystem access parameters, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized file deletion operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file removal, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including system compromise through the deletion of critical system files or security components.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise and individual users alike, as it allows remote exploitation without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Internet Explorer's widespread deployment across corporate networks and the browser's integration with various system functions. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when viewed by a vulnerable user, automatically initiate file deletion operations against targets specified by the attacker. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries use command and control channels to execute malicious code, though in this case the execution occurs through browser-based file system manipulation rather than traditional command execution.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-2484 demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in browser security implementations. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability immediately, as Microsoft released security updates that correct the flawed flag handling behavior in affected Internet Explorer versions. Mitigation efforts should include browser hardening measures, network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for indicators of compromise related to file deletion activities and implement proper backup strategies to recover from potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security-critical software components can result in significant operational impacts and require immediate remediation to prevent successful exploitation attempts.