External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-2419

A vulnerability in JScript for Internet Explorer may allow attackers to execute code or disrupt service via crafted websites. This could lead to system compromise and data corruption for affected organizations.

3Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-2419

The vulnerability resides in a web browser, which is a client-side application. While the exploit requires a user to visit a crafted website, the browser itself is not an internet-facing service, gateway, or appliance that is exposed by design for incoming connections.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11 contain a vulnerability within its JScript 9 component. This flaw could permit an attacker to execute arbitrary code or disrupt service by corrupting memory. Such an event can lead to significant business risk by compromising systems and data.

  • JScript 9 in Internet Explorer
  • Memory corruption vulnerability
  • Arbitrary code execution or denial of service

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability in JScript within Internet Explorer can lead to memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this by directing users to specially crafted websites. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on the affected system.

  • Exposure condition: Publicly accessible web content.
  • Attacker starting point: Remote.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious website leads to code execution or denial of service.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious code or cause denial of service through crafted websites. The attack targets JScript within specific versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Organizations using these versions face potential data compromise and system disruption if the vulnerability is exploited.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • User must visit a malicious website.
  • Business risk is high; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in JScript for Internet Explorer could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by directing users to malicious websites. The attack vector is network-based, requiring user interaction through a crafted website. Organizations should prioritize identifying any instances of affected Internet Explorer versions within their environment to mitigate potential business risk.

  • Find exposed Internet Explorer assets.
  • Restrict access to untrusted websites.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the JScript 9 vulnerability in Internet Explorer?

The JScript 9 component in Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11 has a memory corruption vulnerability. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by directing users to a crafted website.

What type of weakness does CVE-2015-2419 describe?

CVE-2015-2419 describes a memory corruption weakness, specifically CWE-787. This occurs when software does not manage memory correctly, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite or corrupt data, leading to unintended program behavior.

How can an attacker exploit this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website. This website would contain specially crafted content that triggers the memory corruption in JScript 9, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or a denial of service on the user's system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-2419 and Halo Surface Signal?

CVE-2015-2419 is a critical vulnerability affecting Internet Explorer, enabling attackers to execute code or cause denial of service. Halo classifies this CVE as 'Possible' exposure because while the exploit requires a user to visit a crafted website, the browser itself is a client-side application, not an internet-facing service.

What steps should organizations take to respond to this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all instances of affected Internet Explorer versions within their environment. It is recommended to restrict access to untrusted websites, apply vendor-provided fixes, and validate that these patches are in place. Monitoring for related malicious activity is also advised.

References