CVE-2018-1001 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0988, CVE-2018-0996.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Internet Explorer's scripting engine that enables remote code execution attacks. The issue manifests when the scripting engine improperly handles objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer including versions 9, 10, and 11, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread deployment of these browser versions across enterprise environments. The flaw resides in the memory management mechanisms of the scripting engine, which is responsible for interpreting and executing javascript and other scripting languages within the browser context. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability class, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it provides attackers with a powerful vector for system compromise. When an attacker successfully exploits this memory corruption flaw, they can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through web-based attacks. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate heap memory structures to inject and execute malicious code, making the attack surface particularly broad and difficult to defend against.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action through Microsoft's security patches and updates. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates that address the scripting engine memory corruption issue. Additionally, implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting capabilities, using enhanced security configurations, and employing sandboxing techniques can help reduce the attack surface. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection by blocking malicious content before it reaches vulnerable browsers. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may leave detectable traces in system logs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security configurations and implementing multi-layered security approaches that go beyond traditional antivirus solutions. Organizations should consider migrating away from legacy browser versions where possible and implement security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.