CVE-2015-6057 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Edge Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6057 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Edge web browser that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data from process memory through maliciously crafted websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory management and data isolation mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to access confidential information that should remain protected within the browser's secure execution environment. The issue stems from insufficient memory protection controls that allow unauthorized memory access through carefully constructed web content.
This vulnerability operates through a memory corruption exploit that leverages the browser's rendering engine to manipulate memory access patterns and extract data from adjacent memory regions. The technical flaw manifests when Edge processes web content that contains malicious code designed to trigger memory access violations or memory leaks that expose sensitive information such as encryption keys, user credentials, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in the browser's memory space. The attack vector typically involves loading a malicious webpage that triggers specific memory access patterns leading to information leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, or privilege escalation within the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive information from running browser processes, which may include cached passwords, cryptographic material, or application-specific data that could be used to compromise user accounts or system integrity. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the security update, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access untrusted websites.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes "Information Exposure" and falls under the broader category of memory safety issues in web browsers. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control communication and T1566 for credential access through information discovery. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment to address this vulnerability, as the information disclosure could provide attackers with sufficient data to conduct more targeted and effective attacks against user systems and networks.
Mitigation strategies include applying the Microsoft security update released in response to this vulnerability, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns in browser processes. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management and access control mechanisms in modern web browsers, as inadequate protection can lead to significant security implications for both individual users and enterprise environments.