CVE-2017-11918 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to gain the same user rights as 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-2017-11911, CVE-2017-11912, CVE-2017-11913, CVE-2017-11914, CVE-2017-11916, and CVE-2017-11930.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11918 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Microsoft Edge browser implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread issue across multiple Microsoft operating system releases. The flaw resides in how the scripting engine manages object memory allocation and deallocation, creating potential pathways for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and specifically manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the current user's privileges. The attack vector typically involves crafted malicious content delivered through web pages or Office documents that trigger the vulnerable JavaScript engine when processing specific object structures. The security implications are severe as successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain the same user rights as the current user, effectively enabling privilege escalation without requiring administrative credentials. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex scripting engines that must handle dynamic memory management while maintaining security boundaries. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of browser-based JavaScript execution, where attackers can leverage social engineering techniques to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate web content or document attachments.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-11918 relies on manipulating object references within ChakraCore's memory management system to cause memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. Attackers typically craft malicious JavaScript code or Office documents containing specially constructed objects that, when processed by the vulnerable engine, trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. The vulnerability operates through the JavaScript engine's object handling mechanisms where improper memory management allows attackers to control memory layout and execute arbitrary code. This exploitation pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how attackers can leverage browser-based scripting engines to achieve their objectives. The memory corruption occurs during object lifetime management where the scripting engine fails to properly validate object boundaries or handle reference counting correctly, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it enables attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks, potentially allowing them to access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation requires sophisticated knowledge of memory layout and JavaScript engine internals, making it a target for advanced persistent threat actors who possess the technical expertise to craft effective exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11918 extends far beyond individual system compromise, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore are widely deployed. Organizations running affected Windows versions face potential exposure to targeted attacks that could result in data breaches, lateral movement within networks, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows 10 releases means that enterprises must assess their entire fleet for exposure, particularly those using older versions that may not receive timely security updates. Security teams must implement comprehensive monitoring strategies to detect exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious websites, and compromised web applications. The attack surface is particularly wide given that ChakraCore is not only used in Microsoft Edge but also in other Microsoft products and services that rely on JavaScript engine functionality. Organizations that have not applied the relevant security patches face significant risk of exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that successful exploitation does not require physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly browse the internet or open email attachments from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11918 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security update channels, as this vulnerability has a known exploit available in the wild. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious patterns associated with this vulnerability. Browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in untrusted environments or implementing strict content security policies can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections, suspicious process creation, and anomalous memory access patterns. The implementation of automated patch management systems becomes crucial to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis and memory inspection techniques. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for unpatched systems running affected Windows versions. Additional defensive measures include user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploit prevention techniques such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms that can complicate successful exploitation attempts.