CVE-2017-11804 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-2017-11802, 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-2017-11804 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions including Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread issue across multiple operating system variants. 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 currently logged-in user. This represents a significant escalation from user-level privileges to potential system compromise, as the vulnerability operates within the browser's execution context where user interactions are common.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The flaw occurs during the handling of JavaScript objects in memory, where improper bounds checking or memory management allows attackers to manipulate memory locations that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically been exploited in browser environments, particularly in JavaScript engines where complex object management and memory allocation occur frequently. The vulnerability's classification as a scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability indicates that the issue stems from how the engine manages dynamic memory allocation for JavaScript objects during runtime execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11804 is substantial as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution without requiring elevated privileges initially. This means that a successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, steal user credentials, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore makes it particularly dangerous as these components are integral to web browsing and web application execution on Windows platforms. Attackers could potentially craft malicious web pages or documents that, when opened by users, would trigger the memory corruption and execute malicious payloads directly on the victim's machine. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction through visiting malicious websites or opening compromised documents, making social engineering an important component of attack vectors.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the issue was addressed through Microsoft's regular security update cycle. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploits. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious traffic associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it in the privilege escalation and execution domains, specifically targeting techniques related to exploitation of software vulnerabilities and use of legitimate credentials. Regular security assessments and user education about suspicious web content are also crucial components of a comprehensive defense strategy. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its widespread impact across multiple Windows versions, organizations should prioritize patch management processes and maintain current security baselines to protect against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may emerge in the future.