CVE-2016-7196 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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 • 09/30/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge browser implementations. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing malformed or specially crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that trigger memory corruption conditions during normal browsing operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These memory corruption issues typically occur when the browser fails to properly validate input data or manage memory allocation during web page rendering processes. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters crafted HTML elements, JavaScript code, or multimedia content that causes the memory management system to behave unpredictably, potentially overwriting critical memory segments or executing unintended code sequences.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or encounter phishing attempts that leverage this memory corruption exploit. The remote execution capability means attackers can deliver malicious payloads without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation. The vulnerability affects both desktop and mobile browser implementations, creating widespread exposure across different user groups and device types.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any web browsing activity, including legitimate business operations, employee training materials, and public-facing websites. Security researchers have identified that exploitation typically requires user interaction with malicious web content, though some variants may enable automated exploitation through advanced persistent threat campaigns. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the T1203 technique category for "Exploitation for Client Execution," indicating that adversaries can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Microsoft browser versions, alongside network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, enforcing strict content security policies, and maintaining regular security updates. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize safe browsing practices and the importance of avoiding untrusted websites, as the vulnerability's exploitation often relies on social engineering elements to convince users to interact with malicious content.