CVE-2017-11910 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Windows 10 Gold, 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-2017-11909, 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-2017-11910 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Windows 10 operating systems across multiple versions including 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, along with Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically affects the scripting engine's handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to systems. The flaw exists in how the ChakraCore engine manages memory allocation and object references, particularly when processing certain JavaScript code sequences that trigger improper memory handling behaviors. This vulnerability is distinct from several other related CVEs from the same period, indicating it represents a unique memory corruption pattern that requires specific mitigation approaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the ChakraCore engine's object handling mechanisms. When the scripting engine processes certain JavaScript objects, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries or object references, leading to situations where memory can be overwritten or accessed in unintended ways. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of JavaScript code and can be triggered through carefully crafted malicious scripts that exploit the engine's memory management flaws. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning successful exploitation can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11910 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for achieving remote code execution on vulnerable systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications that execute JavaScript code. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and persistent access to target systems, making it particularly attractive for advanced persistent threat actors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products and operating systems, creating a broad attack surface that increases the likelihood of successful exploitation. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11910 should focus on immediate patch deployment and defensive measures to reduce the attack surface. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through patches to the ChakraCore engine and affected Windows operating systems, which should be applied immediately to all vulnerable systems. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including browser hardening measures, JavaScript execution restrictions, and network-based protections to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Windows Scripting Host and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, making defensive measures that limit scripting execution particularly important. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring and detection capabilities that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability through anomalous memory access patterns or unusual JavaScript execution behaviors. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and email attachments that could contain malicious JavaScript code designed to exploit this vulnerability.