CVE-2016-0200 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-2016-0199 and CVE-2016-3211.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on victim systems. The flaw specifically affects the browser's JavaScript engine and memory management subsystem, where insufficient bounds checking and memory validation allows attackers to manipulate memory structures beyond their intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potential code execution. The attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios where users are tricked into accessing compromised web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits memory corruption patterns that occur when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted JavaScript or HTML elements. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating web pages containing malformed data structures or improper memory allocations that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack techniques including heap spraying, return-oriented programming, and code injection methods. When executed successfully, the exploit can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the logged-in user. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer simultaneously, providing attackers with broad exploitation capabilities across different Windows environments. The memory corruption occurs during normal browsing operations, making detection difficult and increasing the attack surface significantly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and persistent access to target environments. Successful exploitation can lead to data theft, system surveillance, and establishment of backdoors that persist across system reboots. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where users regularly browse untrusted websites. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can operate without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability also creates potential for denial of service conditions, where attackers can crash the browser or system entirely, creating availability issues that can disrupt business operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of remote services and T1059 which covers the use of scripting languages for code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as well as network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit potential damage from successful exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to threat actors. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues across their IT infrastructure. Browser isolation solutions and secure browsing practices should be implemented to reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities in other applications and services. The incident highlights the critical need for organizations to maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in their computing environments.