CVE-2017-0093 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Edge exists in the way that the Scripting Engine renders when handling objects in memory in Microsoft browsers. The vulnerability could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0201.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0093 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that enables remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects how the browser's JavaScript engine processes objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted web content. The flaw exists in the way the scripting engine handles memory management during object rendering operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that were not properly anticipated by the developers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the Chakra scripting engine that powers Microsoft Edge. When the browser encounters certain JavaScript objects that are processed in memory, the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize memory operations, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" where attackers leverage scripting languages to execute malicious code. The memory corruption occurs during the object lifecycle management within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when JavaScript objects are created, manipulated, and eventually destroyed in memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This means that if a user visits a malicious website or clicks on a compromised link, an attacker could gain complete control over the victim's system without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction beyond the initial exploitation. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently browse the internet or encounter untrusted web content. The attack surface extends to any system running affected versions of Microsoft Edge, including Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 systems that have the browser installed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0093 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in the July 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional defense layers. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems.