CVE-2017-11908 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Windows 10 1709 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-2017-11893, CVE-2017-11894, CVE-2017-11895, CVE-2017-11901, CVE-2017-11903, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11907, 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-2017-11908 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Windows 10 version 1709 operating system. This issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory by the scripting engine, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the current user's session. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where ChakraCore is utilized as the JavaScript engine, which includes various Microsoft applications and services that rely on this engine for script processing. The flaw exists at the core level of how memory management operations are performed when handling JavaScript objects, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious web content, email attachments, or compromised websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs during the execution of JavaScript code within the ChakraCore engine. When the engine processes certain object operations in memory, it fails to properly validate or manage memory boundaries, leading to situations where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption typically manifests through use-after-free conditions or buffer overflow scenarios where the engine's memory management routines do not adequately protect against malicious input. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common manifestations of memory corruption vulnerabilities in scripting engines. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious JavaScript code that, when executed, triggers the memory corruption behavior and subsequently allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11908 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. Since the vulnerability operates within the context of the current user, successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation opportunities, especially when users have administrative privileges. The attack surface is broad as ChakraCore is integrated into numerous Microsoft applications and services, including Internet Explorer, Edge browser, and various Windows Store applications. This widespread integration means that a single exploitation attempt could potentially affect multiple applications simultaneously, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers JavaScript and VBScript execution, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11908 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce risk exposure. Microsoft released security updates for Windows 10 version 1709 and related systems that address the memory corruption issue by improving object handling and memory management within the ChakraCore engine. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches immediately, as the vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious JavaScript code, configuring Internet Explorer and Edge browsers with enhanced security settings, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network-level defenses such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts by monitoring for known malicious JavaScript patterns and anomalous memory access behaviors. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect unusual memory allocation patterns or object manipulation activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, as these systems can provide early warning of potential attacks leveraging this vulnerability.