CVE-2017-11796 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1703 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to how the scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11792, CVE-2017-11793, CVE-2017-11797, CVE-2017-11798, CVE-2017-11799, CVE-2017-11800, CVE-2017-11801, CVE-2017-11802, CVE-2017-11804, CVE-2017-11805, CVE-2017-11806, CVE-2017-11807, CVE-2017-11808, CVE-2017-11809, CVE-2017-11810, CVE-2017-11811, CVE-2017-11812, and CVE-2017-11821.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11796 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation on Windows 10 version 1703. This issue stems from improper handling of object memory management during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise user systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the scripting engine's memory management routines, where objects are not properly validated or sanitized before being processed in memory, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions that attackers can exploit.
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 memory corruption issues occur when the ChakraCore engine fails to properly validate object boundaries during JavaScript execution, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted malicious scripts. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security and scripting engine architecture, where the engine's object model handling becomes a vector for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can craft specific JavaScript code that, when executed in the context of a user's browser session, triggers the memory corruption condition and subsequently executes malicious payloads with the privileges of the current user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments and individual users alike, as it enables attackers to bypass standard security controls and execute malicious code without requiring administrative privileges. The attack surface extends beyond simple browser exploitation to include potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised user sessions can serve as entry points for broader security breaches. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted execution context of web browsers, making detection and prevention challenging. Organizations running Windows 10 1703 systems face immediate risk of exploitation through malicious websites, phishing emails containing compromised web content, or drive-by downloads that leverage this memory corruption flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11796 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent Windows updates. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including browser hardening measures, content filtering solutions, and application whitelisting to reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for script-based execution highlights the importance of endpoint detection and response capabilities that can identify and block malicious script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing solutions for browser processes and maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.