CVE-2015-6168 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6153.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2025
The Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6168 represents a critical security flaw within the web browser's rendering engine that enables remote code execution or denial of service conditions. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the security patches released in 2015, demonstrating the inherent risks associated with complex browser architectures that process untrusted web content. The flaw stems from improper memory handling during the processing of malformed web content, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute malicious code remotely. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the browser's JavaScript engine and memory management systems to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition, while also aligning with CWE-787 which describes out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption. The attack surface encompasses any user interacting with malicious web content, as the vulnerability can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-6168 occurs when Microsoft Edge processes specially crafted web pages that contain malformed JavaScript or HTML elements designed to trigger memory corruption within the browser's memory management subsystem. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that manipulate memory pointers or buffer boundaries in ways that cause the browser to execute unintended code sequences or corrupt memory structures that lead to system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers leverage multiple exploitation techniques to achieve remote code execution, often through initial access vectors such as phishing emails or compromised websites. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1070 which addresses indicator removal on host. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can allow attackers to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention, making the attack more effective and harder to detect. The specific nature of the memory corruption allows for privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can potentially gain elevated system privileges through browser-based exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6168 extends beyond individual system compromise to affect enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is deployed as a primary browser. Organizations using Edge for business applications, internal portals, or web-based collaboration tools face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious advertisements, compromised web applications, or spear-phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed workforces or those that rely heavily on web-based services. Security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability when planning incident response procedures, as the exploitation can occur silently in the background without user awareness. The vulnerability also impacts mobile and tablet deployments where Edge is used as the default browser, potentially affecting users in environments with limited network security controls. Organizations implementing security controls must account for the possibility of lateral movement through this vulnerability, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with a foothold for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6168 require immediate patch deployment and comprehensive security hardening measures to protect against exploitation. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory corruption issues in affected Edge versions, making timely patch management essential for preventing exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and web filtering solutions to reduce exposure to malicious web content, while also deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious browser behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of browser sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation techniques that limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security professionals should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize safe browsing practices and the risks associated with visiting untrusted websites. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures that track browser process behavior and memory usage patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of security controls such as exploit prevention software and automatic browser updates can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of browser-based attack surfaces to ensure comprehensive protection against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.