CVE-2017-11798 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 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-2017-11796, CVE-2017-11797, 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
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically affecting Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 installations. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when the scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating a critical security gap that adversaries can exploit to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability represents a classic heap corruption flaw that falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. The scripting engine's improper handling of memory objects creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory contents and gain unauthorized execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it enables attackers to escalate privileges within the user context and potentially establish persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can craft malicious web content or deliver payloads through spear-phishing campaigns that, when rendered by Edge, trigger the memory corruption flaw. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, and T1068, which covers the exploitation of remote services. The memory corruption nature of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques or when executed in conjunction with privilege escalation vectors.
Security professionals must understand that this vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system integrity, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors. The flaw's presence in multiple Windows 10 versions indicates a widespread exposure that requires immediate attention across affected environments. Organizations should implement layered security controls including browser hardening, network segmentation, and regular patch management to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the highest severity category, requiring immediate remediation as outlined in Microsoft's security bulletins and aligned with NIST's cybersecurity framework. Proper input validation and memory management practices should be enforced across all browser components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions.