CVE-2017-11797 in Chakra Core
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to how the ChakraCore scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11792, CVE-2017-11793, CVE-2017-11796, 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-2017-11797 affects the ChakraCore JavaScript engine used in Microsoft's Edge browser and other applications that utilize this engine. This flaw represents a critical security issue that allows remote code execution when an attacker crafts malicious web content that triggers improper memory handling within the scripting engine. The vulnerability specifically stems from how ChakraCore manages object references and memory allocation during script execution, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues within the ChakraCore engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries and object references, leading to situations where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption behavior aligns with common exploit patterns described in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11797 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged in sophisticated attack scenarios that align with MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques. Specifically, this vulnerability could be used to implement privilege escalation attacks and persistent access mechanisms, as noted in ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence. The vulnerability affects systems where ChakraCore is integrated, including Microsoft Edge browser, Internet Explorer, and applications that utilize the ChakraCore engine for scripting functionality. Attackers can exploit this through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently browse the internet or interact with potentially malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the memory handling flaws in ChakraCore. Organizations should implement network segmentation and browser hardening measures to reduce the attack surface, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all software components updated, as it demonstrates how scripting engine flaws can create persistent security risks. Security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and browser isolation techniques to protect against exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that defensive measures remain effective against similar vulnerabilities in the ChakraCore engine and other scripting environments.