CVE-2015-2500 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2500 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 and 8. This vulnerability resides within the browser's handling of memory allocation and management during web page rendering processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's memory management subsystem. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer encounters malformed or specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling, leading to potential code execution or system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems through remote code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer processes malicious web content that manipulates memory structures in unintended ways. Attackers can craft web pages containing specially formatted data that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, causes memory corruption through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors. These conditions allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code injected into the browser's memory space. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The memory corruption can manifest through various attack vectors including JavaScript execution, ActiveX controls, or other browser plugins that interact with memory management functions. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2500 extends beyond immediate system compromise to include broader security implications for organizations relying on legacy browser support. Enterprises with outdated Internet Explorer installations face significant risk exposure, as these browsers lack modern security mitigations and are no longer supported with security updates. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance within compromised networks. Organizations may experience service disruption through denial of service conditions, while the potential for arbitrary code execution opens pathways for data exfiltration, lateral movement, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of business operations, and compliance violations in regulated environments. Security teams must consider the broader implications of supporting legacy browser versions, as these systems often lack the security features present in modern browser implementations and remain vulnerable to known exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2500 should prioritize immediate remediation through browser updates and patches, as Microsoft has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features, restricting ActiveX controls, and implementing content security policies to limit potential exploitation vectors. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious web content targeting this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior, memory access patterns, and potential exploitation attempts through endpoint detection and response solutions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should identify remaining legacy installations that may still be exposed to this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also consider the broader security posture, as legacy browser support often indicates outdated security practices that may expose organizations to additional risks beyond this specific vulnerability. Organizations should develop comprehensive migration plans to transition away from unsupported browser versions and implement security awareness training to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks targeting legacy browser users.