CVE-2019-0680 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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0609, CVE-2019-0639, CVE-2019-0769, CVE-2019-0770, CVE-2019-0771, CVE-2019-0773, CVE-2019-0783.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2023
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 malicious actors to exploit memory management weaknesses. The vulnerability specifically affects the JavaScript and VBScript engines that process web content, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where users frequently interact with untrusted content.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate memory management practices within the scripting engine's object handling mechanisms. When Internet Explorer processes certain JavaScript or VBScript code, the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize memory references, leading to potential buffer overflows or arbitrary memory corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the engine level rather than at the application level, making it more difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional application security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can bypass modern security controls. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, trigger the memory corruption condition and subsequently execute malicious payloads. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, representing a complete attack chain from initial compromise to code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer and can be exploited through various delivery mechanisms including phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised web applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling scripting engines for untrusted content, implementing strict web application firewalls, and deploying browser isolation solutions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 as Out-of-bounds Write, highlighting the memory safety issues inherent in the affected code paths. Security teams should also consider implementing exploit protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to make exploitation more difficult. Regular patching and updating of Internet Explorer installations remains the most effective long-term mitigation strategy, though organizations should maintain awareness of potential zero-day exploitation attempts that may precede official patches. The vulnerability's unique nature, distinct from other related CVEs, requires specific monitoring and response procedures to ensure comprehensive protection against targeted attacks.