CVE-2017-0224 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way JavaScript engines render when handling objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0228, CVE-2017-0229, CVE-2017-0230, CVE-2017-0234, CVE-2017-0235, CVE-2017-0236, and CVE-2017-0238.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0224 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine, specifically affecting how the browser handles object rendering in memory. This issue resides in the script engine's memory management subsystem where improper handling of object references leads to unpredictable memory state conditions that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests when Edge processes JavaScript code that involves complex object manipulation and memory allocation patterns, creating opportunities for attackers to corrupt memory structures and execute arbitrary code remotely. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the core rendering engine level, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a memory corruption attack pattern that aligns with common cybersecurity threats categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious JavaScript code that triggers specific memory access patterns, causing the JavaScript engine to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts the V8 JavaScript engine's memory management functions within Edge, where object references are not properly validated before memory operations are performed. This creates a condition where memory corruption can occur during object destruction or reassignment operations, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code payloads. The memory corruption vulnerability operates through a combination of heap manipulation and pointer arithmetic that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the Edge browser process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0224 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's ability to execute code remotely without user interaction makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Edge browsers are commonly used for web-based applications and internal systems. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The attack surface is broad since any webpage that loads JavaScript code can potentially serve as an exploitation vector, making it difficult for organizations to defend against without comprehensive patch management protocols. Organizations using Microsoft Edge in production environments face immediate risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0224 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the underlying memory corruption in the JavaScript engine. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the Microsoft Edge security updates released in the February 2017 security bulletin, which contain fixes for this specific vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense layers, though they may not prevent exploitation of this specific vulnerability. Security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns and memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for script-based execution highlights the importance of implementing script control policies and restricting JavaScript execution in sensitive environments. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of patch status and testing for the presence of this vulnerability in all Edge browser installations across the organization's network infrastructure.