CVE-2016-0157 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-2016-0155 and CVE-2016-0156.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0157 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge browser that enables remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution or cause denial of service conditions. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the security updates released in February 2016, making it part of a series of related vulnerabilities that impacted the browser's rendering engine. The flaw manifests when Edge processes maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during web page rendering operations. According to Microsoft's security advisory, the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the browser's JavaScript engine, which fails to properly handle certain object manipulation sequences. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This particular vulnerability operates at the application level, targeting the browser's user interface and rendering components rather than system-level kernel functions, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites. The exploitability of CVE-2016-0157 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting weaknesses in software applications to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for both remote code execution and denial of service, providing attackers with multiple attack vectors to compromise user systems. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific JavaScript objects that are manipulated in ways that exceed allocated memory boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can leverage for malicious purposes. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits in the same vulnerability family, as it can serve as a foundational weakness for more complex attack chains. The flaw affects Microsoft Edge versions 13.10586.0 and earlier, with the vulnerability being addressed through Microsoft's regular security update cycle. Organizations and users who had not applied the February 2016 security updates remained at risk of exploitation, as the vulnerability was not patched until after the initial disclosure. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures, as the attack occurs within the browser's execution environment rather than through network packets. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise through privilege escalation attacks, where attackers could leverage the memory corruption to gain elevated system privileges. Microsoft's vulnerability classification aligns with the broader category of browser-based exploits that target the application layer, making it a prime example of how modern web browsers serve as attack vectors for sophisticated cyber threats. The vulnerability also demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where multiple components interact to create potential attack surfaces that are difficult to fully secure. According to industry security practices, this vulnerability should be addressed through immediate patching of affected systems, as the exploitation window remains open for users who have not applied the necessary security updates. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly relevant for security professionals monitoring browser-based attack patterns and for organizations implementing browser security policies. The flaw's occurrence in Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine highlights the ongoing challenges in securing modern web applications where scripting languages and dynamic content processing create complex attack surfaces. Security analysts have emphasized that this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping browser software updated, as even minor versions of browsers can contain critical security flaws that impact user safety. The vulnerability's resolution through Microsoft's security update process demonstrates the industry standard approach of addressing browser vulnerabilities through timely patch management, which is essential for maintaining secure computing environments. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as browser hardening configurations and web application firewalls to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in the browser ecosystem. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of user education about avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining updated security software, as the exploitation often relies on social engineering techniques to get users to visit malicious sites. This vulnerability exemplifies the continuous arms race between security researchers and attackers in the browser security landscape, where each new patch creates new challenges for threat actors seeking to exploit software weaknesses. The technical details of CVE-2016-0157 demonstrate how seemingly minor flaws in memory management can result in significant security implications, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes in software development. The vulnerability's impact on Microsoft Edge users highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of security advisories and applying patches promptly to protect against known exploits that could be leveraged by threat actors in the wild.