CVE-2016-0067 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 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-2016-0060, CVE-2016-0061, CVE-2016-0063, and CVE-2016-0072.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing crafted HTML elements or JavaScript code that triggers unexpected memory states. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a targeted IE browser, causes the application to corrupt memory structures and subsequently execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the current user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of memory management errors within IE's rendering engine, particularly affecting the JavaScript engine and HTML parser components. When a user visits a malicious website containing specially crafted elements, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate input data, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. These memory corruption scenarios create opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code, potentially gaining full system compromise. The vulnerability differs from related CVE-2016-0060 through CVE-2016-0072 due to distinct memory access patterns and exploitation vectors, though they all share the common characteristic of memory corruption in IE's core components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and persistent access for threat actors. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, system information disclosure, and potential lateral movement within network environments where infected systems exist. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can leverage it through web-based attack vectors without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites. Organizations with outdated IE installations remain particularly vulnerable as the exploitation techniques do not require additional prerequisites or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting memory management routines within IE's rendering engine. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious content. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify and block malicious websites that may leverage this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, emphasizing the need for layered defensive approaches including endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts.