CVE-2016-3199 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-2016-3214.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3199 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra JavaScript engine, which serves as the core component responsible for executing JavaScript code in the browser environment. This vulnerability specifically affects the scripting engine's handling of memory allocation and management during JavaScript execution, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when malicious websites attempt to exploit improper memory handling mechanisms, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes that could result in denial of service conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra engine's JavaScript interpreter, where crafted malicious JavaScript code can trigger buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness by hosting malicious content on compromised websites or through phishing campaigns, where unsuspecting users browsing to these sites could inadvertently trigger the exploit. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and JavaScript engine architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is the primary browser or where users may encounter untrusted web content. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. Organizations may face substantial security implications including unauthorized access to sensitive information, system availability disruption, and potential compliance violations depending on their regulatory environment.
Security professionals should consider implementing multiple layers of defense including browser hardening, network-based protections, and user education to mitigate exposure to this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the attack surface that this vulnerability creates. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, implement browser isolation techniques, and consider network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns and implementing robust web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific memory corruption weakness in the Chakra engine.