CVE-2015-6160 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 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-2015-6140, CVE-2015-6142, CVE-2015-6143, CVE-2015-6153, CVE-2015-6158, and CVE-2015-6159.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how IE processes certain web elements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render specific content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser context without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks. This memory corruption occurs during the processing of web content, likely involving JavaScript execution or DOM manipulation that causes the browser to write beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. These weaknesses typically arise from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within software applications. The exploitability of this flaw is enhanced by the fact that it affects a widely used browser component, making successful exploitation possible across numerous target environments. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access to a system through malicious web content or drive-by downloads. The memory corruption manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow or similar memory management error that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can also facilitate denial of service conditions that render the affected system unusable. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause Internet Explorer to crash or become unstable, potentially leading to complete system instability or requiring system restarts to restore normal operation. Organizations running IE11 on Windows systems are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability affects all supported versions of the browser. The exploitation vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to compromise endpoints. Security researchers have noted that similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in web browsers often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attack chains, where the initial compromise leads to further system reconnaissance and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-105 released in October 2015. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious web content, though these measures are not foolproof against zero-day exploits. User education regarding safe browsing practices and awareness of phishing attempts remains crucial, as social engineering often complements technical exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems, as delayed patching leaves organizations exposed to known exploits for extended periods. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior, memory access patterns, and network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation technologies or transitioning to more secure browsing environments to reduce exposure to such vulnerabilities.