CVE-2017-11801 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-2017-11797, CVE-2017-11798, CVE-2017-11799, CVE-2017-11800, 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-2017-11801 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft ChakraCore, the high-performance JavaScript engine that powers various Microsoft applications including Internet Explorer and Edge. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the current user's system. The flaw specifically affects how the scripting engine manages memory allocation and object references, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that bypass normal security boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core engine level where JavaScript code interacts directly with system resources, making it a prime target for exploitation in targeted attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues that occur when ChakraCore processes certain JavaScript objects during runtime execution. Attackers can craft malicious JavaScript code that triggers specific memory access patterns, leading to information disclosure and potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes in memory operations. These memory handling flaws create opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11801 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This means that successful exploitation could result in full system compromise without requiring administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated access rights. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft products that utilize ChakraCore, including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers, as well as various Office applications that embed the scripting engine. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through malicious web content or Office documents, making it a significant threat vector for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory handling issues in ChakraCore, and organizations must prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns may help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in scripting engines and highlights the need for regular security assessments of core platform components. Organizations should also consider implementing exploit prevention technologies and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting this and similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the technical flaw and potential exploitation techniques.