CVE-2017-8549 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to obtain information to further compromise the user's system when Microsoft Edge improperly handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8499, CVE-2017-8520, CVE-2017-8521, and CVE-2017-8548.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically targeting memory management operations in Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests when Edge improperly handles objects in memory, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory corruption to execute malicious code. This represents a classic memory corruption vulnerability that falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification within the ATT&CK framework places it under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as exploitation typically involves crafting malicious JavaScript payloads that trigger the memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted web content that forces Edge to improperly manage memory objects, potentially leading to information disclosure that can be leveraged for further compromise. Attackers can utilize this weakness to extract sensitive information from the browser's memory space, which may include credentials, session tokens, or other confidential data. The memory corruption aspect allows for potential code execution, as the improper handling of memory objects can result in the overwrite of critical program structures or function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's core rendering engine, providing attackers with a direct path to compromise user systems without requiring additional privileges or complex attack chains.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Windows 10 systems are prevalent, as it allows for remote code execution through web-based attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a user to visit a malicious website, making it highly scalable and dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Organizations face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities when this vulnerability is exploited, as attackers can leverage the information disclosure to craft more sophisticated attacks. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 creates a broad attack surface, particularly in enterprise environments where these operating systems are commonly deployed. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs such as CVE-2017-8499, CVE-2017-8520, CVE-2017-8521, and CVE-2017-8548 demonstrates a pattern of scripting engine memory corruption issues, suggesting a systemic weakness in the browser's memory management implementation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 installations, as Microsoft released security updates to address this specific memory corruption flaw. Network-based mitigations can include implementing web filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript behavior. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting capabilities and implementing strict content security policies can reduce exploitation success rates. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to recognize potentially malicious web content and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify related attacks. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge's scripting engine underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing layered defensive strategies that address both the immediate threat and broader security posture. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all systems are updated to prevent exploitation through this memory corruption vector.