CVE-2017-0028 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft scripting engine improperly accesses objects in memory. The vulnerability could corrupt memory in a way that enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0028 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's scripting engine that has significant implications for system security. This vulnerability specifically affects the Windows scripting engine components that process various scripting languages including VBScript and JScript, which are commonly utilized by web browsers, email clients, and other applications that execute scripts. The flaw manifests when the scripting engine fails to properly manage memory access patterns during object handling, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that have been classified as CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious script content that triggers improper memory access patterns within the scripting engine's memory management subsystem. When the vulnerable engine processes this malicious input, it can cause memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through multiple attack vectors including web browser exploitation, email attachments, or malicious websites that automatically execute scripts. The attack surface is extensive since scripting engines are integral components of many Windows applications and services, making the exploitation potential widespread across different system configurations and user environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0028 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within compromised systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code in the context of the current user, which can lead to further privilege escalation attacks, data exfiltration, system compromise, or deployment of additional malware. This vulnerability has been frequently targeted in real-world attacks and has been catalogued in various threat intelligence reports, demonstrating its practical exploitation potential. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by its ability to be triggered through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous for users who browse the internet or open email attachments from untrusted sources. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be leveraged in conjunction with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack chains, making it a valuable target for advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0028 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as soon as they become available, which address the underlying memory management flaws in the scripting engine. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates, particularly given the vulnerability's widespread impact across different Windows versions and applications. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling scripting engines in web browsers when not required, using application whitelisting solutions, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability has been mapped to various MITRE ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the need for layered defensive approaches. Security teams should also implement monitoring procedures to detect unusual script execution patterns and memory access anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw, organizations should also consider network segmentation and firewall rules to limit potential attack vectors and reduce the overall attack surface available to adversaries.