CVE-2017-11874 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1703, 1709, Windows Server, version 1709, and ChakraCore allows an attacker to bypass Control Flow Guard (CFG) to run arbitrary code on a target system, due to how Microsoft Edge handles accessing memory in code compiled by the Edge Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, aka "Microsoft Edge Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-11863 and CVE-2017-11872.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated control flow integrity bypass in Microsoft Edge's ChakraCore JavaScript engine that undermines the operating system's Control Flow Guard mechanism. The flaw occurs when Edge processes memory access patterns in code generated by its Just-In-Time compiler, creating an execution path that circumvents the security protections designed to prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1709, as well as Windows Server version 1709, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating system versions. This security bypass allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Edge process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-119 as an improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, which directly relates to the memory access violations that enable the CFG bypass. From an operational perspective, this flaw demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where JIT compilers must balance performance optimization with security hardening. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass multiple security layers including the Control Flow Guard that was specifically implemented to prevent return-oriented programming and jump-oriented programming attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it enables an attacker to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The technical implementation involves the manipulation of memory access patterns during JIT compilation that allows an attacker to craft specific JavaScript code that triggers the CFG bypass. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute malicious payloads that would normally be blocked by the operating system's control flow integrity protections. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a fundamental weakness in how Edge's JIT compiler interacts with system security mechanisms. This flaw is distinct from related vulnerabilities CVE-2017-11863 and CVE-2017-11872, indicating a unique exploitation vector that specifically targets the interaction between Edge's JavaScript engine and Windows security features. The exploitation requires careful crafting of JavaScript code that can trigger memory access patterns which the JIT compiler handles in a way that bypasses CFG protections. Organizations deploying affected systems face significant risk as this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent attacks that maintain access to compromised systems while evading detection mechanisms that rely on control flow integrity checking. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly challenging to defend against as it operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system security controls, requiring coordinated mitigation efforts across multiple security layers. Microsoft's patch for this vulnerability would have addressed the specific memory handling patterns in the ChakraCore JIT compiler that enable the CFG bypass, requiring modifications to how Edge processes JavaScript code that could potentially impact performance or compatibility with legitimate web applications.