CVE-2017-11913 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 execute arbitrary code in the context of 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-2017-11907, CVE-2017-11908, CVE-2017-11909, CVE-2017-11910, CVE-2017-11911, CVE-2017-11912, 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-2017-11913 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 manages objects in memory during script execution, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory structures to achieve arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists in the scripting engine component that processes javascript and other scripting languages within the browser environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems, and is closely related to memory corruption vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in the cybersecurity community. The scripting engine memory corruption occurs when Internet Explorer fails to properly validate memory access during object manipulation, allowing attackers to craft malicious web content that can overwrite memory locations or execute code in the context of the currently logged-in user. This particular vulnerability is distinct from several other CVEs released in the same batch, including CVE-2017-11886 through CVE-2017-11930, which were all part of a coordinated set of vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft's scripting engine components. The vulnerability specifically impacts Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, and various versions of Windows 10 from Gold through 1709, along with Windows Server 2016.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11913 is significant as it enables attackers to execute code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through phishing emails containing malicious links, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads that automatically trigger the exploit when a user visits a malicious webpage. The vulnerability's exploitation typically follows the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries use malicious documents or websites to gain initial access and execute code. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to install malware, steal credentials, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple Windows versions makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these operating systems are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11913 should include immediate installation of Microsoft security updates, which address the memory corruption issue in the scripting engine. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling script execution in Internet Explorer, implementing enhanced security zones, and using application whitelisting to prevent exploitation. Network-based protections including web proxies and firewalls can help detect and block malicious traffic targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious web content is crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting browser components. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify exploitation attempts and anomalous memory access patterns associated with this type of vulnerability.