External risk intelligence

Internet Explorer Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-27085

A remote code execution vulnerability affects Internet Explorer, potentially allowing unauthorized data access or service disruption. The risk stems from attackers tricking users into visiting malicious sites. Organizations should identify and address affected Internet Explorer instances.

1Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Internet Explorer

11

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-27085

This vulnerability affects Internet Explorer, a web browser. While it requires a user to navigate to a malicious site, the product is a client-side application running on end-user devices, not a server-side, internet-facing service or appliance. Consequently, it does not fit the criteria of a public-facing infrastructure service or gateway.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability affects Internet Explorer. The flaw permits an attacker to execute code on the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of data, or disruption of services.

  • Vulnerable component: Internet Explorer
  • Core weakness: Remote code execution
  • Main business impact: Data access and service disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute code remotely. The attack vector involves tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted website. Successful exploitation could lead to an attacker gaining control over the affected system, potentially impacting operations and data integrity. This could result in unauthorized access or modifications to sensitive information.

  • Exposure: Unpatched Internet Explorer.
  • Attacker access: User visits malicious site.
  • Trigger and result: Remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious code on a user's system through Internet Explorer. The attack requires a user to visit a specially crafted website, making it a significant risk if unaddressed. Organizations using Internet Explorer should consider this a high-priority issue.

  • Likely attacker skill: Moderate
  • Required access: User interaction with a malicious site
  • Business risk: High, potential for code execution

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Internet Explorer allows for remote code execution when a user visits a specially crafted website. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to or modification of data, and disruption of services. Organizations should prioritize identifying all instances of Internet Explorer within their environment to understand the scope of potential exposure.

  • Find affected Internet Explorer assets.
  • Isolate vulnerable systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.

Frequently asked questions

What is Internet Explorer and why was it relevant?

Internet Explorer was a web browser developed by Microsoft. It was a primary tool for accessing the internet and its resources for many years.

What type of weakness does CVE-2021-27085 represent?

CVE-2021-27085 describes a remote code execution vulnerability within Internet Explorer. This type of flaw allows an attacker to run unauthorized code on a compromised system.

How could an attacker exploit this flaw?

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by directing a user to a specifically designed website. This action could trigger the execution of malicious code on the user's machine.

What is the significance of CVE-2021-27085 according to the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates that CVE-2021-27085 is very unlikely to be exploited as a threat to public-facing infrastructure. This is because it affects a client-side application (Internet Explorer) rather than a server-side service.

What steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all systems using Internet Explorer, isolate any vulnerable machines, and apply the necessary vendor-provided fixes. Validating the implementation of these fixes is also crucial.

References