CVE-2017-11833 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an attacker to determine the origin of all webpages in the affected browser, due to how Microsoft Edge handles cross-origin requests, aka "Microsoft Edge Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11803 and CVE-2017-11844.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11833 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Edge browser across multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and corresponding Windows Server versions. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of cross-origin requests within the browser's security model, creating a pathway for attackers to determine the origin of webpages accessed through the affected browser. The flaw specifically impacts how Edge processes and manages cross-origin resource sharing operations, potentially exposing sensitive information about the source of web content to unauthorized parties. This issue falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can undermine the confidentiality and integrity of user browsing sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Microsoft Edge's failure to properly validate or sanitize cross-origin request information during processing. When the browser encounters resources from different origins, it should maintain strict isolation between domains to prevent information leakage. However, the flaw allows for the exposure of origin information that should remain hidden from attackers. This behavior creates a scenario where an attacker can potentially reconstruct the browsing history or identify specific web resources accessed by a user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a significant deviation from proper cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) implementation standards. The flaw enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that would normally be restricted by browser security policies, essentially providing them with metadata about user navigation patterns and accessed resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential risks for user privacy and security. An attacker leveraging this vulnerability could gather intelligence about user behavior, identify sensitive websites visited, and potentially correlate this information with other attack vectors. The exposure of webpage origins could facilitate more sophisticated attacks including social engineering, targeted phishing campaigns, or advanced persistent threat operations where knowledge of specific website origins provides crucial context for further exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Edge for browsing sensitive content, as it undermines the expected isolation between different web origins and creates opportunities for attackers to build detailed profiles of user activities. The impact is amplified when considering that this vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions, creating a widespread potential attack surface across enterprise and consumer environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11833 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the primary solution involves correcting the cross-origin request handling implementation within Edge. Organizations should ensure all affected Windows systems receive the relevant security patches promptly, particularly those running Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring to detect unusual cross-origin request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, though the vulnerability itself is primarily a client-side issue. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary cross-origin capabilities where possible, and maintaining strict access controls for sensitive web resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper CORS implementation and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of browser security models, particularly in enterprise environments where user privacy and data protection are paramount. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this information disclosure vulnerability, as it could serve as a precursor to more serious security incidents.