CVE-2016-3289 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Edge allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, aka "Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3322.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management during web page rendering processes, specifically when handling crafted malicious content that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in the browser's JavaScript engine. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing malicious web pages that, when loaded in the affected browsers, cause memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat campaigns as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's handling of complex web content structures that include malformed JavaScript or HTML elements designed to trigger memory corruption in the rendering engine. When a user visits an attacker-controlled website, the malicious page code leverages the memory corruption to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing the attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, bypassing many traditional security controls and potentially enabling full system compromise. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific memory layout conditions that cause the browser to allocate or deallocate memory incorrectly, creating opportunities for code injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3289 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments and individual users. Organizations running affected browser versions face significant risk of targeted attacks, especially when users browse untrusted websites or encounter phishing pages. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly attractive for large-scale campaigns. Security analysts have noted that this vulnerability often serves as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, as initial compromise typically leads to privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. The affected browsers' widespread deployment across corporate environments amplifies the potential impact, as a single compromised endpoint can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the memory handling logic within the browser's rendering engines. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting access to potentially malicious websites through security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter suspicious content. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include user education regarding safe browsing practices, regular security awareness training, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to exploit prevention through modern browser security features such as address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and sandboxing mechanisms that limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts.