CVE-2017-0266 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 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine implementation, specifically affecting the way JavaScript and other scripting languages are processed and executed within the browser environment. The flaw manifests when the browser's rendering engine encounters certain object manipulation scenarios in memory, creating a condition where malicious code can be injected and executed remotely without user interaction. This represents a critical security gap that allows attackers to bypass standard browser security mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 which deals with improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, indicating that the issue stems from inadequate bounds checking or memory management during object handling operations.
The technical exploitation occurs through carefully crafted web content that triggers specific memory corruption patterns within Edge's scripting engines. When a user visits a malicious website or opens a specially crafted document, the browser's JavaScript engine processes the malicious input and creates a memory state that allows subsequent code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to download and install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation can occur without any local interaction from the user, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation for execution through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0266 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable large-scale attacks across enterprise networks. Organizations running Microsoft Edge as their primary browser face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Edge and Windows operating systems, creating widespread exposure across different deployment scenarios. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate attention and remediation. The exploitation typically requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective for automated attack campaigns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing network-level protections against known attack patterns. Organizations should implement web application firewalls, browser hardening configurations, and continuous monitoring for exploitation attempts targeting this specific memory handling flaw.