CVE-2016-0059 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The Hyperlink Object Library in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted URL in a (1) e-mail message or (2) Office document, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0059 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's Hyperlink Object Library that affects versions 9 through 11. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages crafted URLs embedded within email messages or Office documents to exploit memory access patterns in the browser's processing engine. The flaw specifically targets the way Internet Explorer handles hyperlink objects when rendering content, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive data from process memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can potentially expose confidential data including credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a memory management flaw within the Hyperlink Object Library component of Internet Explorer's rendering engine. When the browser encounters a specially crafted URL within email content or Office documents, the hyperlink processing mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize the memory access operations, leading to unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of object references and memory pointers within the browser's object model, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can influence memory access patterns. This flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-200, which defines information exposure vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the malicious content can be embedded within standard email communications or document formats, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently open email attachments or office documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could contain sensitive session information, authentication tokens, or other data that could be leveraged for further attacks within the compromised system. Attackers could potentially use this information to conduct session hijacking, escalate privileges, or gain access to additional system resources. The vulnerability's ability to be triggered through email messages makes it particularly effective for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks where users might not immediately recognize the malicious content. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive systems, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or advanced technical knowledge from the attacker. The exploitation typically occurs silently in the background when users open email messages or documents, making detection and prevention challenging for security teams. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the security posture of affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0059 primarily involve immediate application of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying memory handling issues within the Hyperlink Object Library. Organizations should implement comprehensive email filtering and document validation mechanisms to prevent the delivery of malicious content that could exploit this vulnerability. Network security controls including web application firewalls and content inspection systems can help detect and block malicious URLs before they reach end-user systems. Browser hardening measures such as disabling automatic URL processing in email clients, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional protection layers. Security awareness training for end users remains crucial to prevent accidental interaction with malicious email content or documents. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current patch management procedures and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while also monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation activity. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify additional vulnerabilities within the browser environment that might be exploited in conjunction with this flaw.