External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-0752

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer's scripting engine, potentially allowing attackers to compromise systems. This impacts organizations using affected versions by creating a risk of unauthorized code execution and data breaches. The realistic business risk involves potential system compro

1Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1110

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-0752

This vulnerability affects Internet Explorer, a client-side web browser application. Exploitation requires a user to navigate to a malicious site or interact with content within the browser. It is not a network-facing service, gateway, or internet-exposed server, and does not have a public attack surface reachable independent of end-user activity.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. This occurs when the engine handles objects in memory in a specific way, potentially leading to system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of Internet Explorer face risks associated with unauthorized code execution and potential data breaches.

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

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. This occurs when the scripting engine improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker could exploit this by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website.

  • Exposure condition: Internet Explorer is used.
  • Attacker starting point: Attacker hosts malicious content.
  • Trigger and result: User visits malicious site; attacker gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow attackers to execute code remotely. This could lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of data, as well as disruption of services. Organizations using affected versions of Internet Explorer face a significant risk.

  • Requires moderate attacker skill.
  • Needs user interaction to exploit.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A remote code execution vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow an attacker to gain control of an affected system. This issue arises from how the scripting engine handles objects in memory. Organizations should take immediate steps to address this vulnerability to mitigate potential business risk.

  • Find affected systems.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Internet Explorer and what is it used for?

Internet Explorer is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It was used to access and navigate websites on the internet, allowing users to view web pages, download files, and interact with online applications.

What is the weakness class for CVE-2019-0752?

The weakness class for CVE-2019-0752 is CWE-843, which describes a type confusion vulnerability. This means the software incorrectly handles different types of data in memory, which can be exploited by attackers.

How can an attacker exploit this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a specially crafted website. The vulnerability is not triggered if a user does not interact with malicious content in Internet Explorer.

Who should care about this CVE-2019-0752 threat?

Organizations that still use Internet Explorer, especially if it's internet-facing or used by employees to browse the web, should care. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this is not a network-facing service, meaning exploitation typically requires user interaction.

What are the first steps to address CVE-2019-0752?

The first steps are to identify all systems running affected versions of Internet Explorer and then to reduce their exposure or isolate them from risk. Applying vendor-provided updates is crucial for remediation.

References