CVE-2016-7198 in Internet Explorer
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," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-7195.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7198 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge browser implementations. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of browser-based memory corruption attacks that have historically been among the most dangerous exploits due to their ability to grant attackers complete system control. The flaw manifests when users visit malicious websites that contain specially crafted web content designed to trigger undefined behavior within the browser's memory management systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple browser versions simultaneously, amplifying its potential impact across various user bases and deployment environments.
Technical analysis reveals that the memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific web content elements within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious web pages that exploit memory handling inconsistencies in how Internet Explorer and Edge process certain data structures or JavaScript objects. The flaw typically involves improper memory allocation, deallocation, or access patterns that can be manipulated through carefully constructed input. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The exploitation process often involves triggering heap-based memory corruption through specific combinations of web page elements, JavaScript functions, or ActiveX controls that cause the browser to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7198 extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and denial of service scenarios. When successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that victims need only visit a malicious website to be compromised, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption as users become compromised, leading to data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory compliance issues. The vulnerability also impacts enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges, increasing the potential damage from a successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7198 should include immediate patch management to deploy Microsoft security updates that address the memory corruption flaw. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using enhanced security configurations like Internet Explorer's Enhanced Security Configuration. Network-level defenses should include web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious web traffic patterns associated with known exploit signatures. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of visiting malicious websites and establish incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which describes exploitation for execution, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the multi-stage nature of attacks that leverage such memory corruption flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify emerging exploitation patterns targeting similar vulnerabilities.