CVE-2015-6065 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 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-2015-6078.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6065 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, exposing users to significant security risks including remote code execution and denial of service conditions. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering processes, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the flaw through crafted web content. The issue is classified under the CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read category, which describes how programs access memory locations outside their allocated bounds, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and web browser security, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of Internet Explorer in enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that manipulate memory pointers or buffer boundaries in ways that cause the browser to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage browser-based execution environments to deploy malicious payloads. The flaw typically manifests when the browser encounters malformed data structures or unexpected memory states during page rendering, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6065 extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on Internet Explorer. Enterprises with legacy systems using these older browser versions face heightened risk of successful attacks, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious websites through phishing campaigns or compromised web services. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations may experience significant downtime due to denial of service conditions, while the memory corruption aspects can cause browser crashes and system instability that affect user productivity and operational continuity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6065 should prioritize immediate patch management and browser version updates to address the underlying memory corruption issues. Microsoft released security updates for this vulnerability through their regular security bulletin process, and organizations should implement these patches across all affected Internet Explorer installations. Alternative mitigations include implementing browser security features such as Enhanced Protected Mode, which isolates browser processes and limits potential damage from exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help reduce exposure by blocking access to known malicious websites. Organizations should also consider transitioning away from unsupported Internet Explorer versions toward modern browser alternatives that receive regular security updates and have better security track records. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to system compromise.