CVE-2016-3324 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management during web page rendering processes, specifically when handling certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory allocation mechanisms. The flaw exists in the way Internet Explorer processes complex web objects, particularly when dealing with JavaScript arrays, object properties, and memory references that exceed allocated boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3324 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and denial of service scenarios. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, enabling attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The memory corruption occurs during the browser's JavaScript engine processing, specifically within the V8 engine's memory management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer, providing attackers with broad exploitation opportunities across various enterprise environments where legacy browsers remain in use.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The exploit typically involves hosting a malicious webpage that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, triggers the memory corruption through crafted JavaScript code. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its ability to bypass many standard security controls, as it operates within the browser's trusted execution environment. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption through both direct exploitation attempts and the subsequent need for emergency patching and system hardening measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3324 should encompass multiple defensive layers including immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, browser hardening through group policy configurations, and network-based protections such as web application firewalls. Security teams should implement browser isolation techniques and consider deploying Internet Explorer in restricted environments with enhanced monitoring. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with legacy browser support, as it highlights how older browser versions often contain unpatched memory corruption flaws that remain attractive targets for cyber adversaries. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify systems running unsupported Internet Explorer versions and prioritize their remediation.