CVE-2017-11807 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1703 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-2017-11804, CVE-2017-11805, CVE-2017-11806, 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-2017-11807 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation on Windows 10 version 1703. This vulnerability resides in the scripting engine's handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise user systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the engine processes certain objects in memory, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized execution privileges within the context of the currently logged-in user.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation vector that targets the underlying memory management mechanisms of the ChakraCore engine. The technical implementation involves improper handling of object references and memory allocation patterns, which can result in buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious web content or scripts that trigger the vulnerable code path when processed by the browser, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification as a scripting engine memory corruption aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The exploitability of this vulnerability places it within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for script-based execution, specifically targeting the Windows Command Shell and PowerShell execution paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11807 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the current user account. This can result in data theft, system compromise, persistence mechanisms establishment, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web browsing activities, email attachments, or compromised websites. The attack surface is broad since the ChakraCore engine is used across multiple Microsoft products and services, making this vulnerability a significant concern for enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are common. Security researchers have noted that exploitation of this vulnerability often requires user interaction, typically through visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments, but once triggered, the consequences can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11807 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates for Windows 10 version 1703 that address the memory corruption issues within ChakraCore. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches as soon as possible, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in unpatched systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security configurations, enabling sandboxing features, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Network segmentation and user privilege management can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior, memory access patterns, and execution of suspicious scripts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive security awareness training for users to avoid visiting malicious websites or opening suspicious email attachments, which remains a critical component of overall defense strategy.