CVE-2016-3204 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft (1) JScript 5.8 and 9 and (2) VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 engines, as used in Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and other products, 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 • 09/01/2022
This vulnerability resides within the scripting engines of Microsoft Internet Explorer, specifically affecting JScript 5.8 and 9, as well as VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 implementations. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when processing maliciously crafted web content, creating a critical security risk for users of Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that triggers the flawed scripting engine behavior, potentially leading to complete system compromise through remote code execution.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2016-3204 occurs when Internet Explorer processes malformed script code that causes the scripting engine to corrupt memory structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, effectively allowing attackers to take control of affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple scripting engines within the same browser platform, increasing the attack surface and making it more difficult to defend against. The flaw typically manifests through heap-based memory corruption, where attackers can manipulate memory layout to overwrite critical data structures or execute malicious code in the context of the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can also cause denial of service conditions that disrupt normal browser operation. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, and compromised web applications that serve the malicious content. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may not be security-aware. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique with potential for privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3204 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as well as implementing browser security measures such as Enhanced Protected Mode and SmartScreen filters. Organizations should consider implementing network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block malicious script content. Browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary scripting engines, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation attempts, while monitoring network traffic for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. The remediation process should prioritize immediate patch deployment followed by comprehensive security hardening of all affected systems and user endpoints.