CVE-2016-7189 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 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
The CVE-2016-7189 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution 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 certain JavaScript objects and memory management operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists at the intersection of browser security architecture and JavaScript engine implementation, where improper validation of object states leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages heap corruption techniques that occur when the Chakra engine processes specific JavaScript constructs, particularly involving object manipulation and memory allocation patterns. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path through carefully constructed JavaScript code, which when executed in Microsoft Edge's context, allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the browser process. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the actual exploitation mechanism involves heap-based memory corruption that enables code execution through return-oriented programming or similar techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7189 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment through the browser's trusted execution context. Once exploited, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance, install additional malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Edge is used as the primary browser, as it can be triggered through phishing campaigns or compromised websites that users might legitimately visit. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as the exploitation occurs within the legitimate browser execution context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7189 require immediate patch application from Microsoft, as the vulnerability was addressed through security updates released in the August 2016 security bulletin. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious process creation patterns and memory access violations. Additionally, user education regarding phishing awareness and safe browsing practices remains crucial, as social engineering remains the primary delivery mechanism for such exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated browser-based attacks that target fundamental execution engines.