CVE-2017-11893 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, 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-2017-11886, CVE-2017-11889, CVE-2017-11890, CVE-2017-11894, CVE-2017-11895, CVE-2017-11901, CVE-2017-11903, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11907, CVE-2017-11908, CVE-2017-11909, CVE-2017-11910, CVE-2017-11911, CVE-2017-11912, CVE-2017-11913, CVE-2017-11914, CVE-2017-11916, CVE-2017-11918, and CVE-2017-11930.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser components affecting Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709 along with Windows Server 2016. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that occurs during the handling of objects in memory by the scripting engine, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets how the engine manages object references and memory allocation, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that are particularly dangerous due to their ability to bypass modern security mitigations and directly compromise system integrity. The vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues in the same vulnerability family, indicating a unique code path or memory handling pattern that makes it particularly concerning for attackers targeting these specific Windows versions.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability involves the scripting engine's improper handling of object references during JavaScript execution. When processing certain JavaScript code patterns, the ChakraCore engine fails to properly validate object memory states, leading to situations where memory can be overwritten or corrupted in predictable ways. This allows attackers to craft malicious JavaScript payloads that can manipulate heap memory structures, potentially leading to code execution. The vulnerability typically manifests when the engine processes complex object interactions or when specific memory allocation patterns are encountered during script execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw by delivering malicious web content or files that trigger the specific code path within ChakraCore, causing the memory corruption that enables remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. Since the exploit operates within the context of the current user, attackers can potentially access user data, modify system files, or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows 10 versions and Server 2016, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize their attack surface. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability means that it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers, email clients, or any application that invokes the ChakraCore engine. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through legitimate business processes.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Windows versions, as Microsoft released security updates addressing this specific memory corruption issue. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious JavaScript payloads targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for users can reduce the likelihood of encountering malicious content that exploits this flaw. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under initial access and execution techniques, specifically targeting the use of malicious code execution through browser-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for anomalous memory access patterns or JavaScript execution behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts.