CVE-2016-0072 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-2016-0067.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory allocation and management during web page rendering processes. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions. This particular vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues including CVE-2016-0060, CVE-2016-0061, CVE-2016-0063, and CVE-2016-0067, each representing different attack vectors and exploitation techniques within the same software family. The attack vector leverages the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components, particularly when processing complex web elements such as arrays, objects, and memory structures. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level of memory management, where improper bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which involves the use of scripting languages such as JavaScript for exploitation purposes. The memory corruption manifests when Internet Explorer attempts to process maliciously constructed web content that causes memory to be accessed beyond its allocated boundaries, leading to either privilege escalation or system crash. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to include full system compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious payloads directly within the browser environment. The exploitation typically requires social engineering to convince users to visit compromised websites, but once executed, it can provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer from version 9 through 11, making it particularly dangerous as these versions were widely deployed across enterprise environments. Security researchers have documented that the flaw can be exploited through various methods including heap spraying techniques and use-after-free conditions that manipulate the browser's memory management routines. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with the ATT&CK tactic T1590 which involves reconnaissance activities to identify system vulnerabilities. Microsoft addressed this issue through security updates that included enhanced memory validation checks and improved bounds checking mechanisms within the browser's rendering engine. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Internet Explorer versions and consider implementing additional security measures such as browser isolation techniques and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of similar future vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated attack vectors targeting web browsers.