CVE-2019-1367: High Vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer

CVE-2019-1367 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability that affects Microsoft Internet Explorer, specifically in how the scripting engine handles objects in memory. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data compromise. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates significant risk, emphasizing the urgency for organizations to address this issue.

The vulnerability was published on September 23, 2019, and is classified as a memory corruption issue, specifically identified as CWE-787. Given its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, this vulnerability poses a considerable threat to any organization using affected versions of Internet Explorer.

Organizations must prioritize patching immediately, as the exploitation of this vulnerability is possible through network access. User interaction is required, making it critical for users to be cautious while browsing the web. Additionally, this vulnerability has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, underscoring its ongoing relevance in the threat landscape.

In summary, CVE-2019-1367 represents a serious threat to organizations using Microsoft Internet Explorer, and immediate action is required to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability description indicates that a remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, also referred to as the 'Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is distinct from CVE-2019-1221.

The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.5, which classifies it as high severity. The attack vector is network-based, with high attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is necessary, as the attack would typically be initiated by a user engaging with malicious content.

The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, indicating that successful exploitation can lead to severe consequences for affected systems.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the memory corruption within the scripting engine of Internet Explorer. Attackers may leverage this flaw by crafting malicious web content to exploit the vulnerability when a user interacts with it.

The attack vector is network-based, meaning it could be exploited over the internet. The attack complexity is classified as high, indicating that the attacker must have a detailed understanding of the memory management within the scripting engine to successfully execute the attack.

No special privileges are required for exploitation, as any user can trigger the vulnerability by simply interacting with the malicious content. User interaction is necessary, which means that the attacker must trick the user into accessing the web content.

The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, which signifies that a successful attack can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of data, and disruption of service.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Organizations using affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risks due to CVE-2019-1367. The vulnerability's remote code execution capability means that an attacker can potentially gain full control of the affected system, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

The potential blast radius is considerable, as Internet Explorer is widely used across various environments. This means that an attack could have far-reaching effects, impacting not only individual users but also the organization as a whole.

Due to its high CVSS score and inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts for this vulnerability. The urgency is further exacerbated by the known exploitation status, indicating that active campaigns may be targeting this vulnerability.

Exploitation Status

Affected Versions

The affected versions of Internet Explorer include version 9, 10, and 11. Organizations should ensure they have the latest patches applied to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. If specific version information is missing, it is recommended to state that all versions prior to vendor patch are affected.

Mitigation & Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the patches provided by Microsoft immediately. The required action is to follow the vendor's instructions for applying updates. In cases where a patch is unavailable, organizations should consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure.

For further assistance, organizations can consult the following resources: penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation and look for behavioral anomalies that may suggest unauthorized access. Network signatures associated with malicious activity targeting this vulnerability should be established, and system changes should be monitored closely.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of CVE-2019-1367 lies in its demonstration of the ongoing vulnerabilities associated with legacy systems. Organizations must recognize the patterns that emerge from such vulnerabilities and implement lessons learned to strengthen their security posture.

For strategic defensive takeaways, organizations should consider conducting regular penetration testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Additionally, organizations should establish a robust vulnerability management program to continuously assess and improve their security frameworks.

Organizations should also consider implementing ongoing security testing to ensure that they remain resilient against emerging threats.