CVE-2010-0806: Microsoft Internet Explorer Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a use-after-free vulnerability that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The flaw involves access to an invalid pointer after an object is deleted. The affected product may be end-of-life or end-of-service, and users are advised to discontinue its use.

How it works

This is a use-after-free weakness (CWE-399). An attacker supplies specially crafted content that causes the browser to delete an object while a reference to it remains. Subsequent access to the freed memory can corrupt program state and allow arbitrary code to run in the context of the browser process.

Attackers deliver the content through normal web channels. No specific exploit mechanics are provided in the available facts; confirm details against the vendor advisory.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

Microsoft Internet Explorer runs on Windows client and server systems as the default or optional browser. Inventory installations through standard endpoint management tools or configuration management databases. Identify any remaining instances of the product, especially older deployments that may no longer receive updates.

• Check browser version strings and installed components on managed devices.
• Review web proxy or network logs for traffic to sites that serve dynamic content capable of triggering memory errors.
• Confirm whether the specific configurations or versions in use are listed as affected by consulting the vendor advisory directly.

How to remediate

Apply mitigations per the vendor instructions. Because the product may be end-of-life or end-of-service, the recommended action is to discontinue its use entirely and migrate to a supported browser.

• Remove or disable Internet Explorer where it is not required for legacy applications.
• Replace it with a currently supported browser on all endpoints.
• Follow any applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services that interact with the affected software.

If you can't patch immediately

Until migration is complete, reduce exposure through compensating controls. Segment networks so that systems still running the browser cannot reach untrusted external sites. Disable the browser for general web access and restrict it to isolated internal applications only when absolutely necessary. Monitor endpoint and network telemetry for signs of anomalous process behavior or unexpected memory operations.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited vulnerabilities in this class have led to breaches. Run a free exposure scan of your email addresses to check known breach data.