CVE-2015-2485 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge allow 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-2015-2491 and CVE-2015-2541.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations when processing crafted web content, creating opportunities for remote code execution or denial of service attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that trigger specific memory corruption patterns during browser rendering or script execution processes. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflow conditions where malicious input causes unintended memory access patterns that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser process. This vulnerability type falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector involves web-based exploitation where users visit compromised websites, making this particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through phishing campaigns or compromised web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the browser's processing of specific web elements or scripting constructs that lead to improper memory allocation or deallocation. When Internet Explorer encounters crafted content, it may fail to properly validate input parameters or memory boundaries, resulting in corrupted memory structures that can be manipulated by attackers. The memory corruption manifests in ways that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or execute code within the browser's memory space. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core rendering engine level where browser components interact with user-provided content. The exploitation requires precise control over memory layout and can be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve privilege escalation or persistent access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised browser to execute malicious commands through JavaScript or other scripting languages. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain system-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2485 is significant for organizations relying on affected browser versions, as it creates multiple attack surfaces for remote exploitation. Enterprises face risks of data breaches, system compromise, and persistent threats when users encounter malicious websites, particularly in environments with limited security controls or outdated patch management processes. The vulnerability affects both legacy Internet Explorer versions and the newer Edge browser, indicating a fundamental issue in Microsoft's rendering engine architecture. Organizations must consider the broader implications for their security posture, as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements. The memory corruption nature means that even successful exploitation may not always result in immediate code execution, but rather creates conditions that attackers can leverage over time. This makes detection and mitigation more challenging, as the vulnerability may remain undetected until exploitation occurs. Security teams need to implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect anomalous browser behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft security updates, as these releases contain fixes for the memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting access to potentially malicious websites, and employing content filtering solutions. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques or sandboxing solutions to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of browser-based attack surfaces to identify potential exploitation paths. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle browser-based exploitation attempts, including forensic analysis capabilities to understand attack patterns and prevent future incidents. Given the complexity of modern web browsers and their extensive codebases, comprehensive security testing and monitoring remain essential for protecting against similar vulnerabilities in the future.