External risk intelligence

Microsoft Internet Explorer Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-3893

This vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into visiting a malicious website, posing a risk of system and data compromise.

4Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Microsoft Internet Explorer

67891011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-3893

The vulnerability affects a web browser, which is a client-side application designed to render content from the public internet. While it is not a server, it is a primary internet-facing gateway for users to interact with external websites and remote content, making it a commonly exposed surface in typical deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a memory corruption vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through crafted JavaScript strings. This flaw impacts the way the browser handles mouse capture operations, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution. The business risk associated with this vulnerability includes the compromise of systems and data.

  • Vulnerable browser component
  • Improper memory management
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability affects Internet Explorer, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit this by directing users to a specially crafted web page. The process involves triggering a use-after-free condition within the browser's JavaScript engine. This can lead to unauthorized code execution on the affected system.

  • Exposure via web browsing.
  • Attacker directs user to malicious page.
  • Trigger JavaScript, gain control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's system by tricking them into visiting a malicious website. The attack requires users to interact with the vulnerable browser. The impact is severe, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the affected system.

  • Attackers need minimal skill.
  • Requires user interaction with a malicious website.
  • Business risk is high, warranting urgent attention.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into visiting a malicious website. The impact can include the compromise of systems and sensitive data. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to mitigate potential business risks.

  • Identify Internet Explorer assets.
  • Limit internet access to affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2013-3893, and what is its primary weakness class?

CVE-2013-3893 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer's SetMouseCapture implementation within mshtml.dll. The primary weakness class is CWE-416, which describes a use-after-free error. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper memory management when handling JavaScript strings, particularly when using ms-help: URLs that load hxds.dll.

How can CVE-2013-3893 be triggered and what is the scope of the attack?

Attackers can trigger CVE-2013-3893 by directing users to a specially crafted web page. The vulnerability is exploited through JavaScript strings that manipulate mouse capture operations, leading to a use-after-free condition. The scope of the attack is typically limited to the user's browsing session and the specific Internet Explorer instance, but successful exploitation allows for arbitrary code execution on the affected system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2013-3893 in the current threat landscape?

While CVE-2013-3893 is an older vulnerability, its impact is significant as it allows for arbitrary code execution on affected versions of Internet Explorer. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog lists this CVE, indicating it has been observed in real-world attacks. Its presence on this list suggests it remains a relevant target for malicious actors, particularly against organizations that may still have legacy systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer.

What is the Halo Surface Signal assessment for CVE-2013-3893?

Halo assesses CVE-2013-3893 with a score of 4, categorizing its surface signal as 'Likely.' This is because the vulnerability affects a web browser, which is a client-side application that frequently interacts with content from the public internet. Web browsers are a common gateway for users to access external websites and remote content, making them a frequently exposed attack surface in typical deployments.

What practical steps can organizations take to address CVE-2013-3893?

To address CVE-2013-3893, organizations should first identify all assets running Internet Explorer. It is recommended to limit internet access to affected systems where possible. Applying vendor-provided fixes or workarounds is crucial. Organizations should also validate that patches have been successfully applied and continuously monitor for any related indicators of compromise or further exploitation attempts.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia, threatActor