CVE-2019-0763 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'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0763 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer that stems from improper memory handling during object access operations. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption issues that have plagued web browsers for decades, with the specific flaw manifesting when Internet Explorer attempts to manage objects in memory without proper validation mechanisms. The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that were not intended by the software design, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts Internet Explorer versions 11 and earlier, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these browser versions in enterprise environments and legacy systems. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" within the adversary tactics framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0763 extends far beyond simple browser instability, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access for threat actors. When an attacker successfully triggers this memory corruption, they can execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, or deployment of additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through web-based attacks without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain strict network segmentation policies. The memory corruption aspect implies that attackers can manipulate heap or stack memory regions in ways that cause the browser to execute unintended code sequences, often leveraging techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0763 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Microsoft has released patches for this vulnerability through regular security updates, and organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected Internet Explorer installations. Given that Internet Explorer is an outdated browser with no longer supported versions, the recommended approach involves migrating to Microsoft Edge or other modern browser alternatives that receive ongoing security updates. Security professionals should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns or anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as these systems can detect and respond to attacks that bypass traditional network-based defenses.