CVE-2017-11869 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an attacker to gain the same user rights as the current user, due to how Microsoft browsers handle objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11836, CVE-2017-11837, CVE-2017-11838, CVE-2017-11839, CVE-2017-11840, CVE-2017-11841, CVE-2017-11843, CVE-2017-11846, CVE-2017-11858, CVE-2017-11859, CVE-2017-11861, CVE-2017-11862, CVE-2017-11866, CVE-2017-11870, CVE-2017-11871, and CVE-2017-11873.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Internet Explorer's scripting engine that affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1709. The flaw specifically manifests in how the browser handles object manipulation in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption flaws that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and are commonly associated with exploitation techniques such as heap spraying and return-oriented programming. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes an out-of-bounds read condition, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes, both of which are typical manifestations of memory corruption vulnerabilities in scripting engines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1068 for exploit development, highlighting its potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers memory corruption within the scripting engine's memory management system. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or documents that, when opened in Internet Explorer, cause the browser to improperly handle memory objects, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This particular vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for privilege escalation without requiring elevated privileges initially, meaning that a user with standard account rights can potentially gain full system access. The memory corruption typically occurs during the processing of JavaScript or ActiveX objects, where the browser's memory management fails to properly validate object boundaries or handle memory deallocation correctly. The vulnerability affects both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the affected operating systems, making it broadly exploitable across different hardware configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11869 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent access and further system compromise. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code in the context of the current user, potentially enabling them to install malware, steal credentials, or establish backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations with mixed operating system environments face widespread exposure, particularly in enterprise settings where legacy systems remain operational. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability often serves as a launching point for more sophisticated attacks, as attackers typically use initial exploitation to establish a foothold before moving toward more targeted objectives such as data exfiltration or network reconnaissance. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires user interaction through social engineering techniques, making it particularly challenging to defend against in environments where users regularly interact with potentially malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issue in the scripting engine. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild. Browser hardening techniques such as enabling enhanced security features in Internet Explorer, disabling ActiveX controls, and implementing content security policies can provide additional protection layers. Network segmentation and user access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while security monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly important for organizations to maintain comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious content before it can be processed by the vulnerable browser components. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of patch compliance and testing of the vulnerability's exploitation vectors to ensure that defensive measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques.