CVE-2016-0186 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
The Chakra JavaScript engine in Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0191 and CVE-2016-0193.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0186 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra JavaScript engine, which serves as the core execution environment for JavaScript code in the browser. This vulnerability specifically affects the scripting engine's handling of memory management during JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for remote attackers to potentially compromise system integrity. The flaw manifests when the Chakra engine processes malformed or malicious JavaScript code on compromised web pages, leading to unpredictable memory state conditions that can be exploited for code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra JavaScript engine's runtime environment, where insufficient bounds checking or memory allocation validation allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. When a user visits a malicious website containing specially crafted JavaScript code, the engine's memory corruption occurs during normal script execution processes, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the compromised browser process. This memory corruption vulnerability operates at a fundamental level of the browser's JavaScript processing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is deployed, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code remotely without user intervention. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. Organizations using Microsoft Edge as their primary browser face potential exposure to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or where web filtering controls are insufficient. The remote exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that do not maintain up-to-date patch management procedures or have inadequate network segmentation controls.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates under the broader category of memory safety issues that fall under CWE-122, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions and memory corruption vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, where attackers leverage legitimate system tools and processes to execute malicious code. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, implementation of network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and enhanced browser security configurations. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying exploit protection mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing comprehensive security controls that address both the immediate threat and broader security posture considerations.