CVE-2017-11930 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore, and Internet Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 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 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, and CVE-2017-11916.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11930 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine and Internet Explorer across multiple Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets how the scripting engine manages object memory allocation and deallocation, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of memory objects during script execution, particularly when dealing with complex object interactions and memory management operations that should be handled safely by the engine's runtime environment. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and various Windows 10 versions from Gold through 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern across the Microsoft ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems, and more specifically with CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption. The flaw occurs when the ChakraCore engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries when processing JavaScript objects, allowing attackers to manipulate memory locations that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient bounds checking during memory operations, where the engine does not adequately verify that object references remain within allocated memory regions. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the scripting engine as a means of executing malicious code. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption through specific object manipulation patterns that cause the engine to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11930 is severe and potentially devastating for affected systems, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This means that if an attacker can convince a user to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted document containing malicious JavaScript, they can gain complete control over the victim's system without requiring administrative privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, and lateral movement within network environments. The fact that this affects Internet Explorer across multiple Windows versions means that organizations with legacy systems or those that have not yet updated to newer Windows releases remain particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs in the 2017-118xx series demonstrates a pattern of scripting engine vulnerabilities that Microsoft was addressing during this period, indicating a broader class of issues within their JavaScript execution environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11930 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-119. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious JavaScript payloads. Browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in trusted environments, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Additionally, user education regarding phishing and social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious content through web browsers remains crucial in defending against this type of vulnerability, as the attack often relies on user interaction with malicious content rather than purely technical exploitation.