CVE-2017-0201 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer in the way that the JScript and VBScript engines render when handling objects in memory. 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-2017-0093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-0201 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Internet Explorer's scripting engines that affects both JScript and VBScript execution environments. This issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during the rendering process, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the way these scripting engines manage memory allocation and object manipulation, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the realm of memory corruption vulnerabilities, which are classified under CWE-121 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the interaction between the scripting engines and the memory management subsystem of Internet Explorer, where malformed or specially crafted script content can cause the engines to improperly handle object references and memory addresses. This mismanagement results in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise security environments as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack surface is particularly broad since Internet Explorer remains widely deployed across corporate networks, and the vulnerability can be triggered through various means including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications. The fact that this vulnerability operates in the context of the current user means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. Security researchers have documented that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors and requires minimal user interaction for successful exploitation.
Organizations facing this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches, disabling script execution in Internet Explorer, or implementing enhanced browser security configurations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' where adversaries leverage scripting engines to execute malicious code. Additional protective measures include network segmentation, web application firewalls, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious script execution patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar scripting engine vulnerabilities that may exist in other browser components or applications.