CVE-2017-0228 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft browsers in the way JavaScript engines render when handling objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0224, 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
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Microsoft browsers' JavaScript engines, specifically impacting the way these engines handle object rendering in memory. The flaw resides within the scripting engine's memory management mechanisms, where improper handling of object references and memory allocation can lead to arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious JavaScript code that triggers memory corruption during object manipulation, potentially allowing remote code execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability affects Internet Explorer and Edge browsers, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of these browsers in enterprise environments. This issue demonstrates the inherent complexity of modern JavaScript engines and their susceptibility to memory-related flaws that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These classifications reflect the core problem where the JavaScript engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries when processing object references, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and memory management, where the engine's object model handling becomes a vector for exploitation. The flaw typically manifests when JavaScript objects are manipulated in ways that cause the engine to access memory locations beyond their allocated boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly challenging to detect and prevent because it occurs during normal JavaScript execution flows rather than through explicit security bypasses.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Microsoft browsers for business operations, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction in many scenarios. The attack surface is broad since any web application running in affected browsers could potentially serve as an entry point for exploitation. Security teams must consider the impact on enterprise environments where browsers are frequently used for accessing internal applications, email clients, and web-based services. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by delivering malicious content through web pages, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Organizations may experience data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released specific fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to reduce exposure to malicious web content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can help reduce exploitability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors, while monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Additionally, security awareness training for end users can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts and contain incidents before they can cause significant damage.