CVE-2016-0166 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability affects the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw exists in how Internet Explorer manages memory allocation and deallocation when processing certain web elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper memory management routines within Internet Explorer's rendering engine. Attackers can craft specific web pages that exploit buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory manipulation techniques to corrupt critical memory regions. When the browser processes these malicious pages, the corrupted memory can be leveraged to redirect execution flow, inject malicious code, or cause the application to crash. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 as "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" and CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read," reflecting the core memory management flaws that enable exploitation. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059 "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include significant system compromise and data theft capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, and access sensitive information stored on the affected system. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems running Internet Explorer 11, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy browser support is maintained. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to confidential data, system availability issues due to denial of service conditions, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without physical access to target systems, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory management flaws in Internet Explorer. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit potential damage from exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious web traffic targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated Internet Explorer versions that may still be vulnerable. Additionally, user education about avoiding suspicious websites and implementing multi-factor authentication can reduce the overall risk exposure. System administrators should also consider implementing browser migration strategies to transition users to more secure modern browsers that have better security track records and more frequent updates.