CVE-2021-27085 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's system when they visit a malicious web page. The severity level, determined by a CVSS score of 8.8, indicates a significant risk to organizations, particularly those still using Internet Explorer.
This vulnerability is classified as high severity due to its potential for exploitation. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain control over affected systems, leading to data breaches or other malicious activities. It is critical for organizations to understand the implications of this vulnerability, as the consequences could be severe if left unaddressed.
The vulnerability is known to require user interaction, as users must visit a specially crafted website. Although there are no known public exploits at this time, the nature of the vulnerability and its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog indicates that it is likely to be targeted. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Given the urgency of the situation, organizations should take immediate action to protect their systems. The risk involved with unpatched instances of Internet Explorer could lead to unauthorized access and control, making it imperative to apply the necessary updates as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-27085 states that it is an Internet Explorer Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. It has a CVSS score of 8.8, classified as high severity. The affected product is Microsoft Internet Explorer version 11, and the vulnerability was published on March 11, 2021.
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, which can result in a complete compromise. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is high, while the availability impact is low.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-27085 lies in how Internet Explorer handles objects in memory. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to visit a malicious website designed to trigger the vulnerability.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring user interaction to execute the exploit. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required for exploitation, making it relatively easy for attackers to leverage this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems, leading to data breaches or further exploitation of the network. Given the high CVSS score and the fact that it is included in the KEV catalog, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts as part of their security strategy.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is significant, as it affects any user who visits a malicious site while using Internet Explorer. Organizations should consider the potential impact on their operations and data integrity if this vulnerability is exploited.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected product is Microsoft Internet Explorer version 11. All versions prior to vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft. For more detailed guidance, refer to the security update guidance from Microsoft to ensure all vulnerabilities are addressed.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. This includes tracking access to known malicious sites and unusual user activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-27085 lies in its demonstration of how legacy systems can be exploited by attackers. Organizations should invest in regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.
In addition, organizations should establish a robust vulnerability management program to ensure timely patching and risk assessment. For more insights on building effective programs, refer to our vulnerability management program design guide.
Lastly, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and trends to proactively address vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-27085. For ongoing updates, refer to our web application penetration testing resources.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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