CVE-2016-0159 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2022
The CVE-2016-0159 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 9 running on Windows operating systems and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex browser rendering engines that process untrusted web content. The flaw originates from improper memory management during the processing of certain web page elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when Internet Explorer 9 processes specially crafted web content containing malformed data structures or improper memory allocations. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious websites that trigger the vulnerable code path during page rendering, typically involving complex JavaScript execution or manipulation of DOM elements that lead to heap corruption. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Internet Explorer 9 for business operations, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and potentially escalate privileges. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to include complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for Windows Command Shell execution and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where legacy browser support is maintained, as it can serve as an initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0159 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, as well as implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should also consider disabling Internet Explorer 9 entirely or implementing browser isolation techniques to prevent exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network traffic patterns and unusual process behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software up to date remains crucial in defending against this type of vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems.