CVE-2017-11911 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-2017-11909, CVE-2017-11910, 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-2017-11911 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 falls under the broader category of scripting engine memory corruption issues that have historically posed significant security risks to enterprise environments. The flaw specifically manifests when the scripting engine handles objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This particular vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues in the same vulnerability family, indicating a unique code path or memory handling mechanism that requires specific mitigation approaches. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which represents an out-of-bounds read condition, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious content through web browsers, email attachments, or other vector mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-11911 occurs when malicious code triggers improper memory management within the ChakraCore engine, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary instructions. Attackers typically craft malicious documents or web content that, when processed by the affected scripting engine, causes memory corruption that can be controlled to redirect execution flow. This vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engine's memory management routines, where improper handling of object references in memory creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or inject malicious code. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation or persistent access to the compromised system without requiring administrative credentials. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions indicates a fundamental issue within the ChakraCore engine architecture that affected a broad user base, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2017-11911 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction with malicious content, making social engineering attacks particularly effective in targeting this flaw. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that includes web browsers, email clients, and document processing applications that utilize the ChakraCore engine. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 emphasizes its role in automated exploitation campaigns where attackers use scripting languages to maintain access and perform reconnaissance activities. Organizations should also note that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to bypass security controls, making it particularly dangerous in environments with layered security approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11911 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates addressing the memory corruption issue. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches for Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, along with Windows Server 2016, to eliminate the vulnerability at its source. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious activities related to JavaScript execution can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, such as disabling automatic execution of ActiveX controls and restricting access to potentially malicious websites. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploit mitigation techniques, including address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and heap spraying defenses that can make exploitation more difficult. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of the affected software and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.