CVE-2017-11916 in ChakraCore
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to how the ChakraCore 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-2017-11911, CVE-2017-11912, CVE-2017-11913, CVE-2017-11914, CVE-2017-11918, and CVE-2017-11930.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11916 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft ChakraCore, the high-performance JavaScript engine that powers various Microsoft applications including Internet Explorer and Edge. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the ChakraCore scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating conditions that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The flaw falls under the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities, which are particularly dangerous as they can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The vulnerability affects the underlying memory management mechanisms of the JavaScript engine, where improper handling of object references and memory allocation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and redirect execution flow.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-11916 occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that triggers specific memory corruption conditions within ChakraCore's object handling routines. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by constructing malicious scripts that manipulate object references in ways that cause buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. When the JavaScript engine processes these malformed objects, it can overwrite critical memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other execution control structures. This memory corruption enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user, potentially escalating privileges or establishing persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core execution engine level, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional application-level security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11916 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised system for further exploitation. Attackers can use this vulnerability as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or to establish backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects multiple Microsoft products that utilize ChakraCore, including Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and various Office applications that embed the JavaScript engine. This broad impact means that a single exploit can potentially compromise multiple attack vectors and target different user environments. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a severe threat due to its potential for remote code execution and the ease with which it can be exploited through social engineering techniques such as phishing emails containing malicious attachments or compromised websites.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to protect against CVE-2017-11916 exploitation, beginning with immediate patch deployment for all affected Microsoft products. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability by correcting the memory handling routines within ChakraCore, specifically targeting the object allocation and reference management processes that enable the exploit. Additionally, organizations should deploy enhanced security measures including application whitelisting, sandboxing of web browsers, and network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for JavaScript and VBScript execution, as well as T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing user behavior analytics and endpoint detection systems that can identify anomalous JavaScript execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities provides a framework for understanding and addressing the underlying memory safety issues that enable this exploit. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should focus on identifying potential attack surfaces where ChakraCore might be exposed to untrusted input, particularly in web applications and email clients that process rich content.