CVE-2017-11809 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-2017-11808, 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-2017-11809 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This issue affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016, creating a widespread attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory by the scripting engine, which creates opportunities for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically targets the memory management mechanisms that govern how JavaScript objects are allocated, manipulated, and deallocated within the browser's execution environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious JavaScript code is executed within the context of a targeted user's browser session. Attackers can craft specially crafted web content that triggers the memory corruption bug in ChakraCore, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The memory corruption manifests when the scripting engine fails to properly validate object references or handle memory allocation patterns during JavaScript execution. This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and VBScript, where adversaries leverage browser-based scripting languages to establish initial access or execute malicious payloads. The exploitation chain typically involves delivering malicious web content through phishing emails, compromised websites, or drive-by download scenarios that leverage the browser's JavaScript engine to deliver the payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11809 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain persistent access to affected systems. Since the vulnerability operates within the user context, successful exploitation can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The affected platforms include various Windows 10 releases and Windows Server 2016, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these operating systems are prevalent. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk from both automated exploits and targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threat campaigns. The memory corruption nature of the flaw means that attackers can potentially bypass security controls such as DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) through sophisticated exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11809 should focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security enhancements. Microsoft released security updates for all affected Windows versions, which should be deployed immediately to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including browser hardening, content filtering, and network-based protections to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with the ATT&CK tactic T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it crucial for security teams to monitor for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary browser features, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure system stability and prevent service disruptions.