CVE-2020-0833

Vulnerability

Overview

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-0833, is a remote code execution flaw in the way the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer [1]. This is a classic memory corruption issue, where improper handling of objects can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code [1]. This CVE is part of a group of similar scripting engine memory corruption vulnerabilities patched by Microsoft in March 2020 [1].

Exploitation

Vector

An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by hosting a specially crafted website designed to invoke the scripting engine in a way that triggers the memory corruption [1]. No authentication is required; the attacker only needs to convince a user to visit the malicious site, typically via a link in an email or instant message. In a web-based attack scenario, the attacker could also compromise a legitimate website and host malicious content there [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain the same user rights as the current user. If the user has administrative privileges, the attacker could take control of the affected system, install programs, view/change/delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights [1].

Mitigation

Microsoft released a security update to address this vulnerability as part of their March 2020 Patch Tuesday [1]. Users should apply the update immediately. Internet Explorer users are also advised to ensure they are running the latest version of the browser with all available patches.