External risk intelligence

Microsoft Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-2502

The vulnerability affects Internet Explorer, which is a client-side web browser used by end-users to interact with the public internet. While it is a client application rather than a server-side gateway, it is designed for and routinely used to process untrusted content from the public internet, making it a commonly reachable attack surface.

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Internet Explorer

7891011

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a vulnerability that can allow remote attackers to execute code or cause a denial of service. This occurs when a user visits a specially crafted website. The impact can include unauthorized code execution and disruption of service.

Vulnerable component: Internet Explorer
Core weakness: Memory corruption
Main business impact: Code execution, denial of service

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Attackers can exploit a memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer to compromise systems. This vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary code or the cause of a denial-of-service condition when a user visits a specially crafted website. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution and system disruption, posing a significant risk to organizations utilizing affected versions of Internet Explorer.

Exposure condition: Internet Explorer is accessible via the network.
Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated attacker.
Trigger and result: Attacker tricks user into visiting a malicious website, leading to code execution or denial-of-service.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on affected systems. The flaw exists in how Internet Explorer handles memory, and attackers could exploit it by luring users to a specially crafted website. Organizations should consider the potential impact on their systems and data.

Attackers with low skill could exploit it.
Requires users to visit a malicious website.
Significant business risk and urgency.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service through a crafted website. Organizations should prioritize understanding their exposure to this risk and taking steps to mitigate it. Swift action can prevent potential business disruption and protect sensitive data.

Identify all Internet Explorer assets.
Reduce exposure by disabling or isolating Internet Explorer.
Apply vendor fixes and validate.
Monitor for related activity.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Internet Explorer and its primary function?

Microsoft Internet Explorer was a web browser designed for accessing websites and online content. It served as a tool for users to navigate the internet and engage with web-based applications.

What kind of security weakness does CVE-2015-2502 represent?

CVE-2015-2502 is a memory corruption vulnerability. This occurs when software fails to manage memory correctly, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite data or execute unintended code.

How can the CVE-2015-2502 vulnerability be activated?

The vulnerability is triggered when a user accesses a specifically designed website. This action can lead to arbitrary code execution or a denial-of-service condition.

What is the significance of CVE-2015-2502 in cybersecurity, and how is it relevant to the Halo Surface Signal?

CVE-2015-2502 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. According to the Halo Surface Signal, its score of 4 (Likely) indicates a significant risk because Internet Explorer is a client-side web browser routinely used to process untrusted content from the public internet, making it a commonly reachable attack surface.

What steps should organizations take to address the Internet Explorer vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Internet Explorer assets, reduce exposure by disabling or isolating the browser, apply vendor patches, and monitor for related malicious activity to mitigate potential business disruption and protect sensitive data.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.