CVE-2018-8113 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer that allows for bypassing Mark of the Web Tagging (MOTW), aka "Internet Explorer Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 11.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2023
The CVE-2018-8113 vulnerability represents a critical security feature bypass in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that undermines the browser's Mark of the Web tagging mechanism. This flaw enables attackers to circumvent the security controls designed to prevent the execution of potentially malicious content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability specifically targets the MOTW implementation which is intended to mark downloaded files with security attributes that restrict their execution capabilities based on source trust levels. When exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious actors to bypass the security boundaries that would normally prevent local file execution or script processing from downloaded content.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-8113 occurs through a flaw in how Internet Explorer handles file execution permissions and security zone assignments. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of the Mark of the Web tagging system, allowing attackers to manipulate the security context of downloaded files. This flaw enables the execution of malicious code that would normally be restricted by the browser's security policies, particularly when files are downloaded from the internet and subsequently executed locally. The underlying mechanism involves manipulation of file attributes and security zone boundaries that are normally enforced by the browser's security architecture.
This vulnerability presents significant operational impact within enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 11 remains in use. Organizations running affected systems face increased risk of drive-by downloads, malicious file execution, and potential lateral movement through compromised endpoints. The bypass allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download and execute files from untrusted sources, as it effectively removes the security layer that would normally protect against such activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8113 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent security releases. Organizations should also implement enhanced browser security policies, including disabling unnecessary features, enforcing strict security zone configurations, and implementing application whitelisting controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control issues and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through browser exploits. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential abuse of this vulnerability in their environments.