CVE-2017-11813 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to how Internet Explorer handles objects in memory, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11822.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11813 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer that affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer processes objects in memory, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit the browser's memory management mechanisms and execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from Internet Explorer's improper handling of memory objects during the rendering and processing of web content. When the browser encounters certain malformed or specially crafted web elements, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to a situation where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory regions. This memory corruption allows adversaries to manipulate the execution flow of the browser process and ultimately gain the ability to execute arbitrary code within the user's security context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the user level without requiring elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for initial compromise in targeted attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations as it enables attackers to perform remote code execution through web-based attacks. The exploitation typically occurs when users visit malicious websites or open compromised email attachments that contain specially crafted content designed to trigger the memory corruption. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network. The attack surface is broad given the widespread use of Internet Explorer across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat landscape perspective.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Immediate remediation involves applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches that address the memory corruption issue in Internet Explorer. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and restricting Internet Explorer usage where possible, particularly in high-value environments. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering can help reduce exposure to malicious websites. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping systems updated remains crucial in defending against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in browser security and the critical need for continuous monitoring and patch management programs to protect against memory corruption attacks that leverage the fundamental architecture of web browsers.