CVE-2016-3244 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Edge Security Feature Bypass."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
Microsoft Edge vulnerability CVE-2016-3244 represents a critical security flaw that undermines the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism, a fundamental defense against exploitation techniques. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Edge web browser versions prior to the patched releases, allowing remote attackers to bypass ASLR through carefully crafted malicious websites. The flaw resides in how Edge handles memory layout randomization during browser execution, creating opportunities for attackers to predict memory addresses and execute targeted exploits. This security bypass enables adversaries to circumvent multiple layers of protection including stack canaries and DEP mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the browser's memory management processes to predict or determine the locations of critical system components. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing malicious web pages that trigger specific memory access patterns, effectively neutralizing ASLR protections that randomize memory addresses to prevent exploitation. The flaw typically manifests through improper handling of memory allocation or process initialization sequences that should maintain randomized memory layouts. This issue falls under CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow vulnerabilities, and more specifically relates to CWE-119, which encompasses improper access to memory locations. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the browser's memory management system where the randomized memory layout is not properly maintained during certain execution contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3244 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated exploitation techniques that would otherwise be blocked by modern security mechanisms. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access. The security feature bypass allows threat actors to target specific memory locations that would normally be protected, making it easier to conduct advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks. Organizations using affected Edge versions face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users without requiring physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where edge browsers are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3244 primarily involve immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, which addresses the underlying memory management flaw in Edge browser implementations. Organizations should prioritize updating to Microsoft Edge version 40.15063.0.0 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as enabling enhanced security features within Edge, disabling unnecessary browser plugins, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious content. The mitigation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious commands. Network security controls should include monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and implementing strict content filtering policies to prevent users from accessing known malicious websites. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable Edge versions and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting their infrastructure.