VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Internet Explorer Layouts Use-after-free Vulnerability (CVE-2011-0094) http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php I. BACKGROUND --------------------- "Microsoft Internet Explorer is a web browser developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems with more than 60% of the worldwide usage share of web browsers." (Wikipedia) II. DESCRIPTION --------------------- VUPEN Vulnerability Research Team discovered a critical vulnerability in Internet Explorer. The vulnerability is caused by a use-after-free error in the "CSpliceTreeEngine::InsertSplice()" function within the MSHTML library when handling layouts, which could be exploited by remote attackers to compromise a vulnerable system by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted web page. CVSS Score: 10 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C) III. AFFECTED PRODUCTS --------------------------- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 IV. Binary Analysis & Exploits/PoCs --------------------------------------- In-depth binary analysis of the vulnerability and a code execution exploit are available through the VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service : http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php V. VUPEN Threat Protection Program ----------------------------------- To proactively protect critical networks and infrastructures against unpatched vulnerabilities and reduce risks related to zero-day attacks, VUPEN shares its vulnerability research with governments and organizations members of the VUPEN Threat Protection Program (TPP). VUPEN TPP customers receive fully detailed and technical reports about security vulnerabilities discovered by VUPEN and in advance of their public disclosure. http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php VI. SOLUTION ---------------- Apply the MS11-018 security update. VII. CREDIT -------------- This vulnerability was discovered by Nicolas Joly of VUPEN Security VIII. ABOUT VUPEN Security --------------------------- VUPEN is a leading IT security research company providing vulnerability management and security intelligence solutions which enable enterprises and institutions to eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, ensure security policy compliance and meaningfully measure and manage risks. Governmental and federal agencies, and global enterprises in the financial services, insurance, manufacturing and technology industries rely on VUPEN to improve their security, prioritize resources, cut time and costs, and stay ahead of the latest threats. * VUPEN Vulnerability Notification Service (VNS) : http://www.vupen.com/english/services/vns-index.php * VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service (BAE) : http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php * VUPEN Threat Protection Program for Govs (TPP) : http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php * VUPEN Web Application Security Scanner (WASS) : http://www.vupen.com/english/services/wass-index.php IX. REFERENCES ---------------------- http://www.vupen.com/english/research-vuln.php http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0937 http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS11-018.mspx X. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE ----------------------------- 2010-05-20 - Vulnerability Discovered by VUPEN 2011-04-12 - MS11-018 security update available