CVE-2015-6152 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 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-2015-6162.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted web elements that trigger improper memory handling, leading to potential code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's memory management subsystem, where improper bounds checking or memory deallocation occurs during processing of web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer 10, cause the browser to allocate or access memory in unintended ways, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the user's session. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that are commonly classified as CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions that can result in arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires a user to visit a compromised website, making this a typical client-side exploitation scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for persistence. The memory corruption occurs during the browser's processing of web content, particularly affecting how Internet Explorer handles dynamic memory allocation and deallocation. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service scenarios where system resources become exhausted or corrupted, rendering the browser or system unstable. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because Internet Explorer 10 was widely deployed in enterprise environments, making it a prime target for exploitation. The flaw demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where memory management errors can provide attackers with direct pathways to system compromise. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating legacy browser support and patch management strategies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of timely security updates and the risks associated with running outdated browser versions in production environments. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the memory handling mechanisms within Internet Explorer 10, requiring users to apply the appropriate patches to mitigate the risk. The remediation process typically involves applying the latest cumulative security update for Internet Explorer 10, which includes fixes for multiple memory corruption issues. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all Internet Explorer 10 installations are properly patched to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the need for network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Organizations should implement layered security approaches that combine endpoint protection, network monitoring, and user education to address the broad attack surface presented by browser-based vulnerabilities. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with common exploitation patterns described in various threat intelligence reports and security advisories, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all browser installations.