CVE-2016-0080 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge mishandles exceptions during window-message dispatch operations, which allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Edge ASLR Bypass."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0080 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge browser's handling of exception management during window-message dispatch operations. This issue specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism, which is a fundamental security feature designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities by randomizing the memory layout of processes. The flaw occurs when Edge encounters certain exceptional conditions during message processing, leading to improper exception handling that can be manipulated by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Microsoft Edge's message dispatching system where window messages are processed through a complex series of operations involving the browser's rendering engine and JavaScript execution environment. When exceptions occur during these operations, the browser's exception handling routines fail to properly maintain the integrity of memory layout protections. This mismanagement creates a predictable pattern in memory addresses that would normally be randomized, allowing attackers to determine the locations of critical system components and bypass the ASLR protection mechanism. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Edge processes malformed or crafted web content that triggers exceptional conditions during message dispatch cycles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines one of the core defenses against exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this ASLR bypass to execute more sophisticated attacks such as return-oriented programming attacks or use of specific memory addresses for code execution. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the patch release, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not have automatic updates enabled. This flaw enables attackers to craft malicious websites that can reliably bypass memory protection mechanisms, potentially allowing for remote code execution or privilege escalation attacks against systems running vulnerable versions of the browser.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Microsoft Edge, which address the improper exception handling during message dispatch operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper handling of exceptions in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Additional defensive measures include enabling enhanced security features such as Data Execution Prevention and ensuring that automatic updates are configured to maintain current security patches. Network-based mitigations may include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper exception handling in security-critical applications and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in system design can undermine fundamental security protections.