CVE-2015-6084 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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-2015-6064 and CVE-2015-6085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, specifically when processing certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management systems, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability operates at the core level of the browser's rendering engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction once a malicious page is loaded. This flaw falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read errors that can result in memory corruption and potential code execution. The attack surface is broad as it leverages standard web browsing activities, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat that can be delivered through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications. The exploitation typically involves crafting JavaScript code that manipulates memory structures in ways that bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. This vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's JavaScript engine and memory management subsystem, which are fundamental components that handle all web content processing. The memory corruption occurs during the execution of dynamic content where the browser fails to properly validate input data before processing it in memory. The flaw represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content and where the browser is the primary attack vector for malware delivery. Organizations using older versions of Internet Explorer or those that have not applied the relevant security patches remain particularly vulnerable to this type of exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it in the execution and privilege escalation domains, as successful exploitation can allow attackers to gain full system control. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that modified memory handling routines and strengthened input validation mechanisms within the browser's core rendering components. The patch works by implementing additional bounds checking and memory allocation safeguards that prevent the specific memory corruption patterns that enabled exploitation. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader browser security assessments and ensure that all Internet Explorer installations are properly updated to prevent potential compromise through this memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex browser applications where memory management errors can create pathways for sophisticated attacks. Organizations should implement layered security approaches including browser hardening, network monitoring, and user education to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues in other browser components. This particular flaw exemplifies the persistent threat landscape where legacy browser components continue to harbor vulnerabilities that can be exploited by modern attack frameworks. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise, making it a critical target for both nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where users have elevated privileges or where the browser is used to access sensitive corporate data. Mitigation strategies must include not only patch management but also network-based protections and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation of this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.