CVE-2016-7208 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
The Chakra JavaScript scripting 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-2016-7200, CVE-2016-7201, CVE-2016-7202, CVE-2016-7203, CVE-2016-7240, CVE-2016-7242, and CVE-2016-7243.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7208 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 operations during JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through maliciously crafted web content. The flaw manifests when Edge processes certain JavaScript constructs that trigger improper memory management, leading to potential code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's architecture, leveraging the Chakra engine's memory handling mechanisms to create exploitable conditions that can be triggered simply by visiting a compromised website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption patterns commonly classified as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These memory corruption issues arise from insufficient bounds checking within the Chakra engine's JavaScript parsing and execution routines, particularly when handling complex object manipulation or array operations. Attackers can craft specific JavaScript code that, when executed by the vulnerable browser, causes the engine to access memory locations outside of allocated boundaries or write data beyond intended memory regions. The exploitation typically involves creating JavaScript objects with specific properties that, when processed by the Chakra engine, result in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Microsoft Edge users as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is broad since any website can potentially host the malicious JavaScript code, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise, data theft, or complete browser session hijacking. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack vectors, and its exploitation often requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly effective in real-world attack scenarios.
Organizations and individuals should implement immediate mitigations including prompt application of Microsoft's security patches, deployment of browser security controls, and network-based protections such as web application firewalls or content filtering solutions. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited without any local system access or user interaction beyond normal web browsing. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development, highlighting its role in broader attack chains. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-layered security approaches including network segmentation, regular security assessments, and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's similarity to other Chakra-related issues in the same vulnerability family suggests that comprehensive patch management and security monitoring are essential for protecting against related exploits.