VUPEN Security Research - Microsoft Internet Explorer Protected Mode
Sandbox Bypass (Pwn2Own 2013 / MS13-059)

Website : http://www.vupen.com

Twitter : http://twitter.com/vupen


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 Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The vulnerability is caused by a memory corruption error in the IE broker
process when copying certain data, which could be exploited by remote
attackers to bypass IE Protected Mode sandbox and execute arbitrary code
with Medium integrity permissions.


III. AFFECTED PRODUCTS
---------------------------

Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
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
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1
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


IV. Binary Analysis & Exploits/PoCs
---------------------------------------

In-depth technical analysis of the vulnerability and a private exploit are
available through the VUPEN BAE (Binary Analysis & Exploits) portal:

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php

VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service provides private exploits and
in-depth technical analysis of the most significant public vulnerabilities
based on disassembly, reverse engineering, protocol analysis, and code
audit.

The service allows governments and major corporations to evaluate risks, and
protect infrastructures and assets against new threats. The service also
allows security vendors (IPS, IDS, AntiVirus) to supplement their internal
research efforts and quickly develop both vulnerability-based and
exploit-based signatures to proactively protect their customers from attacks
and emerging threats.


V. VUPEN Threat Protection Program
-----------------------------------

Governments and major corporations which are members of the VUPEN Threat
Protection Program (TPP) have been proactively alerted about the
vulnerability
when it was discovered by VUPEN in advance of its public disclosure, and
have received a detailed attack detection guidance to protect their systems
against potential 0-day attacks exploiting this vulnerability:

http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php


VI. SOLUTION
----------------

Apply MS13-059 security update.


VII. CREDIT
--------------

This vulnerability was discovered by Nicolas of VUPEN Security.


VIII. ABOUT VUPEN Security
---------------------------

VUPEN is the leading provider of defensive and offensive cybersecurity
intelligence and advanced vulnerability research. VUPEN solutions enable
corporations and governments to manage risks, and protect critical networks
and infrastructures against known and unknown vulnerabilities.

VUPEN solutions include:

* VUPEN Binary Analysis & Exploits Service (BAE) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/ba-index.php

* VUPEN Threat Protection Program (TPP) :
http://www.vupen.com/english/services/tpp-index.php


IX. REFERENCES
----------------------

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms13-059
http://www.vupen.com/english/research.php


X. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
-----------------------------

2011-03-04 - Vulnerability Discovered by VUPEN and Privately Shared with
Customers
2013-03-06 - Vulnerability Reported to Microsoft During Pwn2Own 2013
2013-08-13 - Vulnerability Fixed by MS13-059
2013-08-30 - Public disclosure