CVE-2016-3296 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
The Chakra JavaScript engine in Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
The CVE-2016-3296 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra JavaScript engine that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically targets the scripting engine's memory management mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security protections and gain unauthorized system access. The issue manifests when Edge processes specially crafted JavaScript code that triggers improper memory handling, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability type, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and system compromise. From an operational perspective, this flaw represents a severe threat to enterprise environments as it allows attackers to exploit the browser's JavaScript engine without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks and phishing campaigns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages memory corruption patterns that occur during JavaScript object manipulation within the Chakra engine's memory allocation processes. Attackers can craft malicious web pages containing specially designed JavaScript code that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in the engine's memory management subsystem. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can potentially allow privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Security researchers have identified that the flaw occurs in the engine's handling of JavaScript objects and their associated memory structures, particularly when processing complex object hierarchies or dynamic property assignments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically just visiting a malicious website, which makes it particularly effective for large-scale attacks. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain access to systems, and T1059, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge means that any user browsing the internet with this browser is potentially exposed to attack, regardless of network security measures. The memory corruption nature of the flaw makes detection particularly challenging as it may not always produce immediate or obvious symptoms, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, along with browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in trusted environments or implementing additional security layers like web application firewalls. Network administrators should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the high-risk category of cybersecurity threats, requiring immediate attention and comprehensive remediation efforts to protect against potential exploitation.