CVE-2016-0161 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-2016-0158.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0161 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 of another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively undermining the browser's security model and creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive information.
This security weakness specifically affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the patch released in January 2016, demonstrating how browser vendors must continuously monitor and address emerging threats in their codebases. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that likely involve memory corruption or improper access control mechanisms within the browser's rendering engine or JavaScript execution environment. The flaw enables attackers to escalate privileges from standard user context to higher privilege levels, potentially allowing full system compromise or unauthorized data access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the browser's ability to enforce security boundaries between different web origins. Attackers could leverage this weakness to access sensitive data, execute malicious code, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability's classification as an elevation of privilege issue aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." This allows threat actors to gain unauthorized access to systems and potentially move laterally within networks.
Security researchers have documented that this vulnerability could be exploited through crafted web pages that trigger memory corruption or improper access control scenarios within Edge's JavaScript engine. The attack surface includes various web-based interactions that could be manipulated to force the browser into executing code outside of normal security boundaries. Organizations using Microsoft Edge without proper patches are at significant risk of targeted attacks that exploit this privilege escalation mechanism. Mitigation strategies include applying the Microsoft security update released in January 2016, implementing network-based security controls, and utilizing additional browser security features such as Content Security Policy headers to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current patch management procedures to protect against similar threats in other browser components or operating system elements.