CVE-2017-0236 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Edge in the way that the Chakra JavaScript engine renders when handling objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-0224, CVE-2017-0228, CVE-2017-0229, CVE-2017-0230, CVE-2017-0234, CVE-2017-0235, and CVE-2017-0238.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0236 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra JavaScript engine, specifically manifesting as a memory corruption issue during object handling operations. This vulnerability resides in the browser's scripting engine component that processes JavaScript code, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through malicious web content without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The flaw stems from improper memory management when the Chakra engine processes certain JavaScript objects, creating conditions where arbitrary code execution becomes possible on vulnerable systems. Security researchers have classified this as a sophisticated memory corruption vulnerability that leverages the complex interaction between JavaScript object lifecycle management and underlying memory allocation mechanisms within the browser's execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious JavaScript code is executed within the Edge browser context, triggering a specific sequence of memory operations that result in heap corruption. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages containing malicious JavaScript that, when rendered by the Chakra engine, causes memory corruption through improper object handling techniques. This type of vulnerability typically involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code. The Chakra engine's handling of JavaScript objects in memory creates multiple attack vectors where memory layout can be manipulated to achieve arbitrary code execution, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in the context of modern browser security models where sandboxing mechanisms are designed to prevent such exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0236 extends beyond simple remote code execution as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities when successfully exploited. This vulnerability affects all supported versions of Microsoft Edge and can be leveraged to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. The vulnerability's classification as a scripting engine memory corruption aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Edge browser usage is prevalent. Organizations running affected systems face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities for attackers who can successfully exploit this vulnerability through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0236 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability requires specific fixes to the Chakra JavaScript engine's memory management routines. Security teams should implement browser hardening measures including disabling JavaScript execution in untrusted contexts, employing web application firewalls to filter malicious content, and monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based attacks, making traditional endpoint protection solutions less effective against this sophisticated exploit. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as exploit prevention software, memory protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is essential that security teams maintain comprehensive incident response plans that include specific procedures for handling browser-based memory corruption exploits and ensure rapid deployment of Microsoft security patches across all affected systems.