CVE-2015-6140 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6142, CVE-2015-6143, CVE-2015-6153, CVE-2015-6158, CVE-2015-6159, and CVE-2015-6160.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers, classified under the CWE-125 vulnerability type which encompasses out-of-bounds read errors. The flaw manifests when these browsers encounter specifically crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during web page rendering processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that, when accessed by victims, initiate memory corruption sequences leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the browser's rendering engine, particularly affecting how JavaScript and HTML elements are processed and allocated in memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the memory corruption allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised browser process, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive malicious links through phishing campaigns. The attack surface includes any web content that triggers the affected rendering paths, making it challenging to defend against since legitimate web pages may contain elements that could trigger the exploit chain. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability requires minimal user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as well as network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known malicious patterns. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing technologies to limit the potential damage from successful exploits. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers leverage the browser as an initial access point for broader system compromise. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability through endpoint detection and response systems that can identify anomalous memory access patterns or process behavior associated with exploitation attempts.