CVE-2016-3387 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 11 and Microsoft Edge do not properly restrict access to private namespaces, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, aka "Microsoft Browser Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3388.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3387 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge browser implementations. This weakness stems from insufficient restrictions on access to private namespaces within the browser's rendering engine, creating a pathway for remote attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that leverage the browser's handling of namespace access controls, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate without comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper enforcement of namespace isolation within browser security models, where private namespaces intended to protect sensitive internal operations and data structures are not adequately restricted from external access. This failure creates a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the browser's namespace handling to bypass normal security boundaries and gain access to elevated privileges that should remain restricted to trusted system components. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-264 indicates a weakness in privileges and access controls, specifically involving improper restriction of access to private namespaces. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the browser's internal namespace management to execute code with higher privileges than initially granted.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or receive phishing emails containing crafted content designed to exploit the namespace access restriction. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to install malware, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft browser implementations and operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these browsers are actively used. Organizations with users accessing the internet through Internet Explorer 10 and 11, or Microsoft Edge, face substantial risk of exploitation that could lead to complete system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3387 require immediate implementation of security updates provided by Microsoft through their regular security bulletins, as these patches address the underlying namespace access control mechanisms. System administrators should ensure all browser installations are updated to the latest versions that contain the appropriate fixes for this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing browser hardening configurations, disabling unnecessary browser features, and employing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. The vulnerability's relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework indicates potential exploitation through techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution, making comprehensive endpoint protection and monitoring essential. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability.