CVE-2016-3202 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft (1) Chakra JavaScript, (2) JScript, and (3) VBScript engines, as used in Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11 and Microsoft Edge, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3202 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple scripting engines within Microsoft's web browser ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically impacts the Chakra JavaScript engine used in Internet Explorer 10 and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge, alongside the JScript and VBScript engines that have historically been integral to Microsoft's scripting architecture. The flaw manifests when users encounter maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling within these scripting engines, creating a pathway for remote code execution or system denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the scripting engine components, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully constructed web pages that exploit the underlying engine's handling of JavaScript, JScript, and VBScript code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through memory corruption techniques that leverage weaknesses in how the scripting engines process and manage memory allocations during script execution. Attackers can craft web pages containing malicious script code that, when executed by the affected browsers, causes the scripting engines to improperly handle memory operations such as buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors. These conditions can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or completely compromise the affected system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects multiple scripting engines simultaneously, increasing the attack surface and making it more difficult for users to protect themselves through simple engine isolation measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3202 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains in use. Organizations running legacy systems or those unable to immediately patch their browsers face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) demonstrates the fundamental memory safety issues within the affected components. Security researchers have noted that exploitation often requires user interaction through visiting malicious websites, making social engineering attacks particularly effective in leveraging this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the execution phase where attackers leverage such flaws to gain system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3202 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates from Microsoft, which addressed the underlying memory management issues in the affected scripting engines. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include disabling unnecessary scripting features, employing enhanced browser security configurations, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of defense by blocking access to known malicious domains and content. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browsers updated. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires specific conditions to be met, but given its potential for privilege escalation and system compromise, proactive remediation measures are essential for maintaining organizational security posture. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification that affected scripting engines have been properly patched and that no legacy browser components remain in use where this vulnerability could be exploited.