CVE-2018-8570 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8570 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This issue stems from how the browser handles object references in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 11 running on Windows operating systems, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of this browser in enterprise environments and the prevalence of legacy systems that continue to rely on older browser versions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper memory management during object handling within Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine and rendering components. When the browser processes certain web content that triggers memory corruption conditions, it fails to properly validate object references, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" categories, which are fundamental memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer attempts to access memory locations that have been freed or improperly allocated, creating potential entry points for attackers to inject and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8570 is substantial, particularly in enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 11 remains in use despite being deprecated. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through malicious websites or email attachments that trigger the memory corruption conditions when the victim's browser loads the content. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it susceptible to drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns that leverage the browser's widespread use in corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released patches specifically addressing this memory corruption issue. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059: "Command and Scripting Interpreter," highlighting the need for layered defensive approaches. Network segmentation and user education regarding safe browsing practices remain essential complementary measures, particularly for environments where immediate patching is not feasible due to legacy application dependencies or operational constraints.