External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-1429

A scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability in Internet Explorer may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. This could affect organizations by compromising systems and data. The realistic business risk is significant, requiring prompt attention.

2Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Microsoft Internet Explorer

91011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-1429

The vulnerability exists in the Internet Explorer scripting engine. While it is client-side software that processes internet content, it is not an internet-facing service, gateway, or management portal. Exposure requires a user to navigate to malicious content, and it is not a server-side component designed to be reachable from the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability within Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow for remote code execution. This occurs when the engine improperly handles objects in memory, potentially enabling unauthorized actions on affected systems. The impact could include a compromise of system integrity and data confidentiality for organizations utilizing this component.

  • Vulnerable component: Internet Explorer scripting engine
  • Core weakness: Memory object handling flaw
  • Main business impact: System compromise and data risk

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability occurs when the Internet Explorer scripting engine improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker can leverage this by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted website. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, leading to system compromise and potential data loss.

  • Internet Explorer opens malicious websites.
  • Attacker triggers memory corruption.
  • Attacker gains control of the system.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A remote code execution vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow attackers to run arbitrary code on a targeted system. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise. While the attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious site, the potential impact on affected organizations and their data is significant, indicating a need for prompt attention.

  • Attackers need moderate skill.
  • Users must visit a malicious site.
  • Business risk is high; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A remote code execution vulnerability in the Internet Explorer scripting engine could allow attackers to compromise systems. This vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary code in the context of the logged-in user. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and mitigate this risk.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Internet Explorer scripting engine and what is it used for?

The Internet Explorer scripting engine is a component within the Internet Explorer browser that processes and executes scripts, such as JavaScript, embedded in web pages. It enables dynamic content and interactive features on websites, allowing for a richer user experience.

How does the 'Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability' (CVE-2019-1429) work?

CVE-2019-1429 is a memory corruption vulnerability in the Internet Explorer scripting engine. It stems from how the engine handles objects in memory, and when exploited, it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code. This is categorized as a use-after-free weakness (CWE-416) and potentially a buffer overflow (CWE-787).

What are the preconditions for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability?

An attacker must trick a user into visiting a specially crafted website that contains malicious code. The vulnerability is not triggered if the user does not interact with such a site.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2019-1429?

Organizations whose users interact with Internet Explorer are at risk. Since this vulnerability is classified as external, meaning it can be exploited over the network, and requires a user to visit a malicious site, both internet-facing and internal users could be targeted. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this is unlikely to be directly internet-facing but user interaction is key.

What are the first steps for responding to this vulnerability?

First, identify all systems running affected versions of Internet Explorer. Next, consider ways to reduce exposure, such as restricting Internet Explorer use or isolating affected machines. Finally, apply any available security updates or patches from Microsoft to remediate the vulnerability.

References