CVE-2016-3264 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 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 "Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through crafted web content. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, creating exploitable conditions that attackers can leverage to execute malicious code on affected systems. The flaw affects multiple browser versions and represents a significant security risk given the widespread use of these browsers in enterprise and consumer environments.
This vulnerability manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when browsers process specially crafted web content, particularly involving complex web page elements and JavaScript execution. The technical implementation flaw involves improper bounds checking and memory management during the rendering pipeline, where attackers can manipulate memory pointers or overwrite critical data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which are fundamental memory safety issues that directly impact the browser's ability to properly manage allocated memory regions. Attackers exploit this by creating malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption during normal browsing operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be delivered through various means including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web services. The memory corruption can result in system instability, application crashes, or complete system compromise depending on the execution context and available privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack surface is particularly broad given that these browsers are commonly used for web browsing, email clients, and accessing enterprise applications, making them prime targets for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory management issues through proper bounds checking and memory allocation safeguards. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential damage from exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable browsers. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices, avoiding suspicious websites, and maintaining up-to-date security software remains crucial in reducing the attack surface and preventing successful exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability.