External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2018-8653

A vulnerability in the Internet Explorer scripting engine allows remote code execution due to memory handling flaws. This could lead to unauthorized system control and data compromise if users visit malicious sites. Organizations should identify affected systems and apply vendor-provided fixes.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Internet Explorer

91011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-8653

This vulnerability affects the Internet Explorer scripting engine. As a client-side web browser component, it is not an internet-facing service, appliance, or gateway. Exploitation requires a user to navigate to a malicious site or interact with content, meaning the vulnerability itself is not exposed directly to the internet in a typical deployment.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the Internet Explorer scripting engine could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. This flaw stems from the engine's improper handling of objects in memory. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, impacting systems and potentially compromising data.

  • Vulnerable component: Internet Explorer scripting engine
  • Core weakness: Memory corruption when handling objects
  • Main business impact: Remote code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The scripting engine in Internet Explorer can be exploited to execute remote code when processing memory objects. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability by directing an organization's users to a malicious website. Successful exploitation would allow an attacker to gain control over affected systems.

  • Internet Explorer vulnerability exposed
  • Attacker directs users to malicious site
  • Attacker gains system control

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A remote code execution vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow attackers to compromise systems. This issue arises from how the engine handles objects in memory. Successful exploitation could lead to the execution of malicious code on affected systems.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Advanced
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction needed
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts Internet Explorer's scripting engine, potentially allowing for remote code execution. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating the risk to their systems and data. The vendor has provided fixes that should be applied and validated to ensure protection.

  • Find exposed Internet Explorer assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply, verify, and monitor vendor fixes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Internet Explorer scripting engine vulnerability?

A memory corruption flaw exists in the Internet Explorer scripting engine, allowing for remote code execution. This vulnerability occurs when the engine improperly handles objects in memory.

How can attackers exploit the Internet Explorer scripting engine vulnerability?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious website. When a user visits this site, the vulnerability in the scripting engine's memory handling can be triggered, potentially allowing code execution.

What is the weakness classification for this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

The weakness classification for this vulnerability is CWE-787, which refers to a buffer overflow or out-of-bounds write, indicating an issue with how memory is handled.

How does the Halo Surface Signal assess the relevance of this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

Halo Surface Signal assesses this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be a direct internet-facing threat. It affects a client-side browser component and requires user interaction with malicious content rather than being directly exposed to the internet.

What are the recommended actions for organizations regarding this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

Organizations should identify Internet Explorer assets, reduce their exposure or isolate risks, and apply vendor-provided fixes. Validating these fixes is crucial to ensure protection against potential exploitation.

References