CVE-2016-3293 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Edge allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, aka "Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge were vulnerable to a critical memory corruption flaw that enabled remote code execution through malicious web pages. This vulnerability stemmed from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how JavaScript objects and memory structures were managed during page processing. The flaw allowed attackers to craft specially designed web content that would trigger memory corruption when processed by the affected browsers, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability was classified as a memory corruption issue that could be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of heap-based buffer overflow that could be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise. The attack vector typically involved crafting web pages containing malicious javascript code that would manipulate memory structures in ways that caused the browser to execute attacker-controlled instructions. The impact of this vulnerability extended beyond simple code execution as it could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor access. Security researchers identified that the vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through multiple attack surfaces within the browser's memory management systems. The flaw was particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users might inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive malicious emails containing links to exploit code. This vulnerability demonstrated the inherent risks of complex browser architectures and highlighted the importance of memory safety in modern web applications. Organizations using these affected browsers were at significant risk of targeted attacks that could result in full system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability was ultimately patched through Microsoft security updates that addressed memory handling routines in the browser's javascript engine and rendering components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving exploitation of known vulnerabilities and privilege escalation through memory corruption. The remediation process required immediate patch deployment across all affected systems and implementation of browser hardening measures. Organizations needed to establish robust patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The incident underscored the critical importance of keeping browser software up to date and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits. This vulnerability represented a classic example of how memory safety issues in complex software systems can create significant security risks when exploited by threat actors. The long-term impact of this vulnerability highlighted the need for more secure coding practices and better memory management in browser implementations. Security professionals recommended implementing web application firewalls and browser isolation techniques as additional protective measures against similar memory corruption threats. The vulnerability also emphasized the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential memory-related flaws in browser environments.