CVE-2017-0227 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Edge in the way affected Microsoft scripting engines render when handling objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0221 and CVE-2017-0240.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0227 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine implementation that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the way Microsoft's scripting engines handle object memory management during rendering processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when Edge processes certain web content that triggers improper memory handling within the Chakra JavaScript engine, which is the core component responsible for executing JavaScript code in the browser environment. Security researchers have classified this as a remote code execution vulnerability because it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0227 occurs when a malicious website delivers crafted content that triggers a memory corruption condition in Edge's JavaScript engine. This corruption typically involves buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that allow attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute malicious code with the privileges of the Edge process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the scripting engine's object handling routines, where improperly validated memory operations create opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" which directly relate to the memory corruption patterns observed in this flaw. The attack surface is significantly broadened by the fact that Edge's scripting engine is actively engaged when processing legitimate web content, making exploitation possible through simple web browsing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0227 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration and lateral movement within enterprise environments. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the Edge browser process, which typically runs with limited user privileges but can still provide access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, harvest credentials, or deploy additional malware payloads that can evade traditional security controls. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the T1059.007 technique category for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Client Execution" which demonstrates how adversaries can use this flaw to establish malicious execution channels. Organizations running unpatched versions of Microsoft Edge are particularly vulnerable as the exploit can be delivered through drive-by downloads or compromised websites that users may visit without malicious intent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0227 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability in their regular monthly patch Tuesday releases, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems. In addition to patch management, network segmentation and web filtering solutions can provide additional layers of protection by blocking access to known malicious domains or implementing strict content filtering policies. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing mechanisms can reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds and implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify systems running outdated versions of Microsoft Edge. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious memory access patterns and JavaScript execution anomalies associated with this class of vulnerability.