CVE-2017-11909 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and 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-2017-11893, CVE-2017-11894, CVE-2017-11895, CVE-2017-11901, CVE-2017-11903, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11905, CVE-2017-11907, CVE-2017-11908, 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11909 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and the Windows operating system versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, alongside Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically targets how the scripting engine manages object memory allocation and deallocation, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when the ChakraCore engine processes certain JavaScript objects in memory, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. This issue falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and represents a significant concern for enterprise environments relying on Microsoft technologies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory references within the ChakraCore engine's object management system. When JavaScript objects are created, modified, or destroyed within the engine, the memory management routines fail to properly validate or sanitize memory operations, leading to potential buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. This memory corruption can occur during normal script execution when the engine encounters specific object manipulation patterns, particularly those involving complex object hierarchies or dynamic memory allocation. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which addresses 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 weakness by crafting malicious JavaScript code that forces the engine into an exploitable state through carefully constructed memory operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11909 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user account. This means that successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or establishment of persistent backdoors within affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple Windows versions simultaneously, creating a widespread attack surface across enterprise networks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates at the scripting engine level, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches. The attack vector typically involves phishing emails containing malicious Office documents or web pages that trigger the vulnerable JavaScript engine when users interact with them. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which covers command and script interpreters, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate user privileges to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11909 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the company released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in their monthly patch Tuesday releases. Organizations must ensure that all affected Windows versions receive the appropriate security updates, particularly since the vulnerability affects multiple operating system releases. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict browser security policies, disabling JavaScript execution in email clients, and employing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous JavaScript behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying exploit prevention tools and configuring Internet Explorer's security zones to limit ActiveX controls and script execution. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through social engineering campaigns, so user awareness training becomes crucial in preventing successful attacks. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify systems running outdated versions of the affected components, as this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild by threat actors targeting enterprise environments.