CVE-2017-0152 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way affected Microsoft scripting engine render 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. 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 CVE-2017-0152 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's scripting engine that affects multiple browser products including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge. This vulnerability operates at the core of how scripting engines handle object memory management, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically targets the rendering engine's memory handling mechanisms when processing objects in memory, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring local system access. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability type, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when affected Microsoft browsers process maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling within the scripting engine. Attackers can craft web pages containing specially formatted objects that cause the browser to corrupt memory in predictable ways, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This memory corruption typically manifests through buffer overflows or improper memory deallocation that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory segments or execute code within the browser's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0152 extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation grants attackers full user-level privileges on the compromised system. This means that attackers can access sensitive data, install malware, modify system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to administrator level if the user account has elevated permissions. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products including Internet Explorer versions 11 and earlier, Microsoft Edge, and various Microsoft Office applications that utilize the scripting engine. Organizations running these affected systems face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, email attachments, and even through compromised websites that deliver malicious content to unsuspecting users.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for Windows Command Shell and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability enables lateral movement and persistence tactics when exploited, as attackers can establish backdoors or maintain access through the executed malicious code. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including regular patch management, browser hardening configurations, network segmentation, and user education to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser components updated and implementing security controls such as sandboxing and exploit protection mechanisms. Microsoft released security updates in their regular monthly patches, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates to prevent exploitation of this critical memory corruption vulnerability that could lead to complete system compromise.