CVE-2015-6147 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and 9 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-2015-6149.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2022
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that trigger memory corruption during normal browsing operations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged through social engineering tactics where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites. According to CWE-125, this represents an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to memory corruption, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability impacts both Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 systems, with Internet Explorer 8 and 9 being the primary targets. The memory corruption occurs when the browser processes malformed content, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in how Internet Explorer handles memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes. When a malicious website is loaded, the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components encounter crafted data structures that cause memory corruption, potentially leading to stack or heap corruption. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient bounds checking or improper memory management practices within the browser's core components. The exploitation process involves carefully crafting web content that triggers specific memory access patterns, causing the browser to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries or read from invalid memory locations. The ATT&CK technique T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter may be employed in conjunction with this vulnerability to execute malicious commands once initial access is achieved. Security researchers have identified that the flaw is distinct from CVE-2015-6149, indicating separate code paths and underlying causes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through drive-by downloads or compromised websites without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the malicious page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Successful exploitation can result in full system control, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive information. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk as these browsers are commonly used in enterprise environments, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The vulnerability can be particularly devastating in corporate settings where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data. Additionally, the denial of service aspect means that attackers can disrupt business operations by causing browsers to crash or become unresponsive, leading to productivity losses. According to industry security assessments, this vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows 7, and various server editions. The attack surface is broad since Internet Explorer 8 and 9 remain in use across many organizations, particularly in legacy systems where browser upgrades have not been implemented. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that modern browsers may not properly validate content, allowing malicious payloads to be executed without user awareness. This makes it a preferred target for targeted attacks where attackers seek persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in Internet Explorer. Organizations should implement browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary browser features, enabling enhanced security configurations, and implementing application whitelisting policies. The use of security software including endpoint protection solutions and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potentially vulnerable systems that may have not been updated. Network monitoring solutions can help detect suspicious activities related to exploitation attempts, while user education programs can reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. Microsoft recommends that administrators prioritize patching of affected systems and consider implementing browser isolation techniques for high-risk environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the critical need for organizations to maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating to supported browser versions that have better security features and regular update cycles, as older versions like Internet Explorer 8 and 9 are no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft.