CVE-2020-1092 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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1062.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1092 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability stems from Internet Explorer's improper handling of object references in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the browser processes certain web content that triggers improper memory management operations, leading to potential code injection and system compromise. Security researchers have classified this issue as a severe threat due to its remote exploitation potential and the widespread use of Internet Explorer in enterprise environments.
The technical mechanism underlying CVE-2020-1092 involves memory corruption during object manipulation within Internet Explorer's rendering engine. When the browser encounters malformed or specially crafted web content, it fails to properly validate object references, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This memory corruption typically occurs through use-after-free vulnerabilities or buffer overflow conditions where the browser attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or improperly allocated. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this represents a variant of CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which is categorized under the broader category of memory safety issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1092 extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities, as it represents a significant threat vector for advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks. Organizations running Internet Explorer are particularly vulnerable since the browser's memory management flaws can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, making exploitation relatively straightforward for threat actors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through compromised websites, email attachments, or malicious advertisements without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The widespread deployment of Internet Explorer across enterprise networks creates a substantial attack surface that security teams must address urgently.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1092 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released patches specifically addressing this memory corruption vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Browser isolation techniques and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers, though these measures are secondary to proper patch management. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of Internet Explorer and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The remediation process must also include user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for timely security patching in enterprise environments.