CVE-2015-6048 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 "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6049.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-787 as out-of-bounds write conditions. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations when processing specially crafted web content, creating opportunities for remote code execution or denial of service attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption during normal browser operation, exploiting the browser's failure to properly validate memory boundaries when rendering web content. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer attempts to process malformed or crafted data structures, leading to unpredictable memory state corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-6048 follows patterns consistent with the attack technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, as described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability specifically targets memory management functions within the browser's rendering engine, particularly affecting how Internet Explorer handles JavaScript objects and memory allocation during page rendering. When a user visits a malicious website, the browser's JavaScript engine processes the crafted content and triggers a memory corruption event that can be leveraged to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the memory level, allowing attackers to bypass many traditional security controls and directly manipulate the browser's execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can also facilitate denial of service conditions that disrupt normal browser functionality. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users have access to the internet and may inadvertently visit compromised websites. The vulnerability's broad scope across multiple IE versions means that enterprises must consider comprehensive patch management strategies, as the attack surface remains extensive even in legacy environments. Security teams must account for the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement opportunities that such vulnerabilities create, as successful exploitation typically results in code execution with the browser's privileges, which may be elevated depending on the user's access level.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, as well as network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running unpatched versions of Internet Explorer, while user education programs can help reduce the risk of visiting malicious websites. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious network activity can provide early detection of exploitation attempts, and maintaining up-to-date incident response procedures ensures rapid response to any successful exploitation events. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and the risks associated with running outdated browser software in enterprise environments.