CVE-2018-0997 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Internet Explorer improperly accesses objects in memory, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 11. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0870, CVE-2018-0991, CVE-2018-1018, CVE-2018-1020.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution attacks. The issue stems from how the browser handles object references in memory, specifically when processing certain web content that triggers improper memory management operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, cause the browser to corrupt memory structures and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser context without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns.
The technical root cause of CVE-2018-0997 aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This memory corruption occurs when Internet Explorer attempts to access objects in memory that have already been freed or improperly allocated, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. The flaw manifests during the processing of web content that involves complex object manipulation, particularly when JavaScript or ActiveXObject interactions trigger memory management errors. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain remote access to systems, specifically targeting browser-based attack vectors that leverage memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent access to target systems, deploy additional malware, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised browser as a launch point for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations running Internet Explorer 11 in their environments, making it particularly concerning for enterprises that have not fully migrated away from legacy browser platforms. The attack surface is broad since Internet Explorer remains installed on many corporate systems, especially those with legacy applications that depend on the browser's compatibility features. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is particularly challenging to detect through traditional network monitoring since the exploitation occurs within the browser's memory space and may not generate obvious network traffic patterns.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Internet Explorer's scripting capabilities, deploying enhanced browser security features, and ensuring that all systems are running the latest security updates from Microsoft. The recommended approach involves applying the security patches released by Microsoft as part of their monthly security updates, which address the underlying memory management issues in the browser's rendering engine. Additionally, implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling ActiveX controls, restricting JavaScript execution, and deploying web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and monitoring for unusual browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security and the risks associated with running outdated browser versions that may contain unpatched memory corruption flaws.