CVE-2015-6087 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-2015-6066, CVE-2015-6070, CVE-2015-6071, CVE-2015-6074, and CVE-2015-6076.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
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 that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations when processing crafted web content, specifically through the use of malformed objects or data structures that trigger buffer overflows or heap corruption. Attackers can leverage this weakness by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a targeted browser, exploits the memory corruption to either execute code remotely or cause denial of service conditions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat campaigns as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and control communication and T1203 for exploitation for client execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components failing to properly validate input data structures before processing them in memory. When Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted HTML elements, JavaScript objects, or ActiveX controls, the parsing logic does not adequately check array bounds or object sizes, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The memory corruption typically manifests as heap-based buffer overflows that can be leveraged to redirect execution flow or inject malicious payloads directly into the browser process memory space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on older Internet Explorer versions, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for achieving remote code execution on targeted systems. The impact extends beyond simple exploitation to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments, particularly when users browse compromised websites or click on malicious links. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprises that have not fully migrated away from legacy browser support. Security researchers have noted that this flaw can be particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios where attackers can host malicious content that automatically exploits the vulnerability without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific memory corruption issues in the affected Internet Explorer versions. Browser isolation techniques and network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features, restricting ActiveX controls, and implementing strict content security policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security and demonstrates how legacy software components can create persistent attack vectors that require ongoing security management and monitoring. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems have been properly patched against this and related vulnerabilities.