CVE-2017-8595 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user when the JavaScript engine fails to render when handling objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8596, CVE-2017-8601,CVE-2017-8618, CVE-2017-8619, CVE-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8601, CVE-2017-8603, CVE-2017-8604, CVE-2017-8605, CVE-2017-8606, CVE-2017-8607, CVE-2017-8608, and CVE-2017-8609.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. The issue manifests when the browser's rendering engine encounters specific object handling scenarios in memory, creating conditions that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability is classified as a scripting engine memory corruption issue that falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's execution context, making it a prime target for exploitation in web-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious web content that triggers the specific memory handling flaw within Edge's JavaScript engine. When the browser processes certain JavaScript objects in memory, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to corrupted memory states that can be manipulated to redirect execution flow. The attack typically involves delivering malicious JavaScript through compromised websites or email attachments, where users inadvertently trigger the vulnerable code path during normal browsing operations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user level without requiring elevated privileges, making it more accessible to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8595 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further compromise within the victim's system. Once arbitrary code execution is achieved, attackers can install malware, steal sensitive data, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges through additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects all supported Windows 10 versions including Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, along with Windows Server 2016, creating a broad attack surface across enterprise environments. Organizations running these affected systems face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making defensive measures particularly challenging to implement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates to address the memory corruption flaw. Network segmentation and browser hardening measures can provide additional defense layers, though these are secondary to proper patch management. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development, indicating that threat actors may use this vulnerability as part of broader attack chains. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for proper patch status across all affected Windows 10 and Server 2016 systems to ensure complete remediation.