CVE-2017-11871 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1703, 1709, and Windows Server, version 1709 allows an attacker to gain the same user rights as 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-2017-11836, 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-2017-11869, CVE-2017-11870, and CVE-2017-11873.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11871 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1709, as well as Windows Server version 1709, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The flaw manifests in how the scripting engine manages object handling in memory, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. 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 potential privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper memory management within the ChakraCore engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute malicious code. This memory corruption vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors, including web-based exploitation through Microsoft Edge and potentially other applications that utilize the ChakraCore engine. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to achieve privilege escalation without requiring administrative credentials, making it a prime target for initial access and lateral movement within compromised environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for enterprise environments where Windows 10 systems are deployed. The ability to escalate privileges through a memory corruption flaw means that attackers can potentially gain full system control without requiring additional authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and initial access, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, often through malicious web content or email attachments, making it particularly effective in social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11871 should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Windows 10 and Windows Server versions. Microsoft released security updates that address this specific memory corruption issue by correcting the object handling mechanisms within the ChakraCore engine. Organizations should implement network segmentation and browser hardening measures to reduce the attack surface, including disabling unnecessary JavaScript functionality and implementing content filtering solutions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous memory access patterns and unexpected privilege escalation events. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components, as this memory corruption flaw could potentially be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and user access controls can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts by restricting what code can execute with elevated privileges.