CVE-2017-8596 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 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-2017-8598, CVE-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8595, 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.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that affects Windows 10 versions 1607 and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during JavaScript execution, specifically when the scripting engine attempts to render content. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Microsoft Edge's Chakra JavaScript engine encounters malformed or specially crafted JavaScript objects during rendering operations. When the engine fails to properly validate memory access patterns while processing these objects, it creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the browser's memory space. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, redirect program execution flow, or inject shellcode that executes with the same privileges as the legitimate browser process. The attack typically requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted document that triggers the vulnerable code path.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive malicious email attachments containing exploit code. The attack surface is broad as it affects the default browser on Windows 10 systems, making it a prime target for nation-state actors and cybercriminals seeking persistent access to corporate networks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it in the execution phase with techniques such as T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 are particularly vulnerable as the exploit can be delivered through web-based attacks without requiring any additional privileges or system modifications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issue in the Chakra JavaScript engine. Network administrators should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in trusted environments, implementing content filtering solutions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid visiting untrusted websites and to exercise caution when opening email attachments from unknown sources. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to zero-day exploitation, so organizations should maintain robust incident response procedures and consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.