CVE-2017-11802 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and 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-2017-11798, CVE-2017-11799, CVE-2017-11800, CVE-2017-11801, 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 • 12/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11802 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This vulnerability affects multiple Windows 10 versions including the Gold release, 1511, 1607, and 1703 editions, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests when the scripting engine improperly handles objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potential code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and exploit development, where improper memory management creates attack surfaces that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of memory objects within the ChakraCore engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine for both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. When malicious code is processed through the vulnerable engine, the improper handling of memory objects can result in buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious web content or scripts that, when executed by the affected browser or application, trigger the memory corruption. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of JavaScript for execution, and T1068, which involves the exploitation of local privileges through memory corruption vulnerabilities. The specific nature of the flaw suggests that attackers could potentially leverage it to bypass modern security mitigations such as ASLR and DEP through techniques like Return Oriented Programming or Jump Oriented Programming.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11802 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access. Since the vulnerability operates within the context of the current user, attackers can potentially escalate privileges through additional exploitation techniques or leverage the compromised session to access sensitive data, establish backdoors, or deploy additional malware. The affected software ecosystem includes not only Microsoft Edge but also any applications that utilize the ChakraCore engine for scripting functionality, making the potential attack surface quite broad. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks, phishing campaigns, or compromised websites that deliver malicious JavaScript content. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that exploitation can occur without user interaction in certain scenarios, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through normal browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11802 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates to address this vulnerability in their regular monthly security updates. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches, particularly for Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016 installations. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, content filtering solutions, and browser hardening techniques that can detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts through anomalous traffic patterns or known malicious indicators. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical nature of defending against scripting engine vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Security monitoring should specifically focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns or memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts.