CVE-2017-11907 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, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to gain the same user rights as the current user, due to how Internet Explorer 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-2017-11893, CVE-2017-11894, CVE-2017-11895, CVE-2017-11901, CVE-2017-11903, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11905, 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 • 01/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11907 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Internet Explorer's scripting engine that affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the way Internet Explorer handles objects in memory, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The issue stems from improper memory management during script execution, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and potentially escalate their privileges to full system access. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which directly relates to the memory corruption aspects of this flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11907 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to bypass security mechanisms that typically protect user sessions and system resources. When exploited, this vulnerability allows adversaries to execute malicious code within the context of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the user has administrative privileges. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into visiting malicious websites or opening specially crafted Office documents that contain embedded malicious scripts. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the scripting engine's memory handling capabilities, which are fundamental to how Internet Explorer processes web content and Office documents, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network-based security measures.
Security professionals must understand that this vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack techniques as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and code execution tactics. The vulnerability's exploitation often involves crafting malicious content that triggers the memory corruption during script processing, which can occur through various means including phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised websites. Organizations should recognize that the vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions, from older systems like Windows 7 SP1 to newer releases including Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that successful exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11907 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in Internet Explorer's scripting engine. Organizations should implement additional protective measures such as disabling automatic execution of ActiveX controls, enabling enhanced security features in Internet Explorer, and implementing strict content filtering mechanisms. Network-based protections should include intrusion detection systems that monitor for exploitation attempts and web application firewalls that can block malicious script execution. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the likelihood of users inadvertently triggering the vulnerability through social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs such as CVE-2017-11886 through CVE-2017-11930 demonstrates the broader pattern of scripting engine vulnerabilities that Microsoft has addressed through comprehensive security updates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current security patches across all affected systems.