CVE-2018-1018 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-2018-0997, CVE-2018-1020.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-1018 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability arises from how Internet Explorer handles object references in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts the browser's memory management mechanisms when processing certain web content, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that trigger improper memory access patterns within Internet Explorer's rendering engine. The vulnerability occurs when the browser fails to properly validate object references during memory operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user. This memory corruption can be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms and establish persistent access to compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1018 is severe given Internet Explorer's widespread deployment across enterprise environments and the browser's integration with Windows operating systems. Organizations running Internet Explorer 11 are particularly vulnerable to attacks that exploit this memory corruption flaw, as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute code remotely. This makes the flaw particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against specific organizations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issue through improved object validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing technologies to limit potential damage from successful exploits. Network-based protections like web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for users to avoid visiting untrusted websites and downloading suspicious content remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation of this memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability's unique nature, distinct from related CVEs such as CVE-2018-0870 and CVE-2018-0991, emphasizes the need for comprehensive patch management and security monitoring to address all variants of Internet Explorer memory corruption vulnerabilities.