CVE-2013-2551 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 10. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted website that triggers access to a deleted object. The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and data breaches, making it critical to address this vulnerability promptly.
The severity level is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 8.8. This indicates a significant risk, particularly given the attack vector is network-based and the complexity is low. User interaction is required to trigger the exploit, further emphasizing the need for user awareness and patching.
As this vulnerability has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog since March 28, 2022, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The exploitation status is confirmed, and the urgency for remediation cannot be overstated.
Organizations using affected versions of Internet Explorer should take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free).
The CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the high severity of this vulnerability, indicating significant potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected product is Microsoft Internet Explorer, versions 6 through 10, with the vulnerability being publicly disclosed on March 11, 2013.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory management within Internet Explorer, specifically related to freeing memory that has already been released. The attack vector is network-based, requiring user interaction with a malicious website to exploit the vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, meaning that the exploit can be easily executed by an attacker without requiring specialized knowledge. Moreover, no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability. However, user interaction is necessary as the user must visit the crafted website.
The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as successful exploitation can lead to complete control over the affected system, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations face significant risks due to this vulnerability, particularly those using outdated versions of Internet Explorer. The blast radius could include unauthorized access to sensitive data and the potential for widespread malware deployment.
Given the high CVSS score and the inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations are urged to prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management cycles. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and financial losses.
Organizations should implement monitoring and detection strategies to identify any attempts to exploit this vulnerability in their environments.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer include 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. For further guidance, they can refer to the penetration testing services to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual activity related to unexpected web requests or unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2013-2551 highlights the critical nature of continuous monitoring and patching of known vulnerabilities. Organizations must recognize the patterns of exploitation and invest in proactive security measures. For additional insights, security teams are encouraged to explore the vulnerability management program and the importance of regular penetration testing methodology to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, security teams should stay informed about emerging trends and adjust their strategies accordingly, focusing on both detection and prevention.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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