CVE-2017-11808 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-2017-11804, CVE-2017-11805, CVE-2017-11806, CVE-2017-11807, 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-2017-11808 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This flaw exists in multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating conditions that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This represents a significant escalation from standard web browsing to potential system compromise, as the attack vector leverages legitimate browser functionality to gain unauthorized execution capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and more specifically relates to memory corruption vulnerabilities within scripting engines. The flaw occurs during object handling within the ChakraCore engine's memory management system, where improper validation or handling of memory objects can lead to corrupted memory states. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious web content or documents that, when processed by the affected browser or JavaScript engine, trigger the memory corruption condition. This typically involves manipulating object references or memory layouts in ways that cause the engine to execute unintended code paths, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the ATT&CK framework under technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11808 extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it affects the fundamental security model of Microsoft Edge and the underlying ChakraCore engine. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and execute code with the user's privileges, potentially leading to credential theft, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within a network. The affected Windows versions span multiple release cycles, meaning organizations with older systems or those not properly updated remain at risk. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or Office documents that contain embedded JavaScript. The attack surface is broad due to the integration of ChakraCore across multiple Microsoft products and services, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to establish footholds within enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in the ChakraCore engine. Network segmentation and browser hardening measures can help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns may help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs in the same advisory set indicates a pattern of memory handling flaws within Microsoft's scripting engine, suggesting that additional vulnerabilities may exist in the same codebase. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all affected Windows versions and ensure that automated patch management systems are functioning properly to prevent exploitation. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, sandboxing techniques, and user education to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering or drive-by download attacks.