External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-0968

A vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine allows remote code execution if a user visits a malicious website. This can lead to data compromise and system disruption for affected organizations.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Internet Explorer

119

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-0968

This vulnerability affects the Internet Explorer scripting engine. It is a client-side vulnerability that requires a user to navigate to a malicious website or interact with crafted content. It is not an internet-facing service, appliance, or gateway that is reachable by direct network connection, making it unsuitable for scanning or direct external exploitation without end-user interaction.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Internet Explorer's scripting engine could allow for the execution of malicious code. This occurs when the engine improperly handles objects in memory. Organizations using affected systems face potential risks to their data and operations.

  • Internet Explorer scripting engine
  • Memory handling flaw
  • Malicious code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through a vulnerable scripting engine in Internet Explorer. An attacker could exploit this by enticing an organization's employees to visit a malicious website. This could lead to the compromise of affected systems and data.

  • Exposure via Internet Explorer.
  • Attacker accesses through malicious website.
  • Trigger results in code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow remote code execution. This means an attacker could potentially take control of an affected system by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website. The potential for data compromise, system disruption, and unauthorized access poses a significant business risk.

  • Attacker skill level: Moderate
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious content
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the scripting engine for Internet Explorer. Attackers can exploit this by tricking users into visiting a malicious website. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. This could lead to the compromise of affected systems and data.

  • Find Internet Explorer assets.
  • Restrict Internet Explorer use.
  • Apply vendor fixes.
  • Verify fixes.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of the Internet Explorer scripting engine regarding web page content?

The Internet Explorer scripting engine is a core component of the browser responsible for interpreting and executing scripts, such as JavaScript, embedded within web pages. This enables dynamic content and interactive features on websites, allowing for functionality beyond static text and images.

What specific weakness class does CVE-2020-0968 fall under?

CVE-2020-0968 is classified under CWE-787, which signifies an 'Out-of-bounds Write.' This type of memory corruption vulnerability occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory and leading to unintended consequences.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2020-0968, and what is the scope of impact?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a specially crafted website. The scripting engine's memory corruption flaw could then be triggered, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code. The scope of impact is limited to the user's context on the affected system, as it requires user interaction.

What is the significance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2020-0968?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates that this vulnerability is 'Very unlikely' to be exploited via direct network scanning because it affects client-side software (Internet Explorer) and necessitates user interaction with malicious content, rather than being an directly accessible internet-facing service.

What steps should be taken to address the Internet Explorer scripting engine vulnerability?

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should identify all Internet Explorer assets, consider restricting its use, and promptly apply vendor-provided security updates. Verifying the successful implementation of these fixes and monitoring for related security events are also crucial steps.

References