CVE-2016-0158 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via unspecified vectors, aka "Microsoft Edge Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0161.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0158 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge browser that enables remote attackers to circumvent the fundamental Same Origin Policy mechanism. This policy serves as a cornerstone of web security by preventing scripts from one origin from accessing resources or data from another origin, thereby maintaining isolation between different websites and protecting user privacy. The flaw allows adversaries to perform elevation of privilege attacks by exploiting unspecified vectors within the browser's security architecture. This vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2016-0161, indicating distinct attack surfaces and exploitation methods that require separate mitigation approaches. The Same Origin Policy bypass capability fundamentally undermines the browser's security model and creates opportunities for attackers to access sensitive data, manipulate web content, and potentially escalate their privileges within the browser environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation issues that can lead to complete browser compromise and unauthorized access to user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how Microsoft Edge handles cross-origin resource requests and security boundary enforcement. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute unauthorized operations that should normally be restricted by the same origin policy, potentially allowing them to access cookies, local storage, or other origin-specific data from different domains. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests multiple potential pathways through which the policy bypass can be achieved, possibly involving memory corruption, improper validation of cross-origin requests, or flaws in the browser's security sandbox implementation. This vulnerability represents a significant deviation from expected browser security behavior where legitimate cross-origin restrictions are bypassed, enabling attackers to perform actions that should be prohibited by standard web security mechanisms. The attack surface likely encompasses various browser components including JavaScript execution environments, network request handlers, and security policy enforcement modules.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0158 extends beyond simple data access, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform sophisticated attacks that can compromise user sessions and enable further exploitation. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session tokens, access sensitive user information, manipulate web applications, or even facilitate more severe attacks such as cross-site scripting or data exfiltration. The elevation of privilege aspect means that attackers can potentially gain access to higher-privilege contexts within the browser, enabling them to perform actions that are normally restricted. This vulnerability poses significant risks to user privacy and data protection, particularly in environments where users interact with multiple websites or sensitive applications. Organizations relying on Microsoft Edge for business or personal use face potential exposure to attacks that could compromise confidential data, user credentials, or system integrity. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that Edge was Microsoft's primary browser for Windows 10 and many enterprise environments relied heavily on its security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0158 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific Same Origin Policy bypass mechanism. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous cross-origin requests or suspicious behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary features, implementing strict content security policies, and using security extensions can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and verify the effectiveness of implemented controls. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual cross-origin communication patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access. Organizations should maintain comprehensive incident response procedures and ensure that security teams are prepared to respond to potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding phishing and social engineering attacks that may leverage this vulnerability should be part of the overall security strategy. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates remain crucial for maintaining protection against similar threats that may emerge from the same class of security flaws.