CVE-2017-8599 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to trick a user into loading a page with malicious content when the Edge Content Security Policy (CSP) fails to properly validate certain specially crafted documents, aka "Microsoft Edge Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8599 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge browser that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 systems. This issue stems from a failure in the Content Security Policy implementation within Microsoft Edge, specifically when processing certain crafted documents that bypass the intended security controls. The vulnerability operates as a security feature bypass, allowing attackers to circumvent the browser's built-in protections that are designed to prevent malicious content execution and unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical flaw manifests when Edge encounters specially crafted documents that exploit gaps in the Content Security Policy validation mechanism. This allows attackers to load malicious content through seemingly legitimate web pages or documents that appear safe to the browser's security systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's ability to properly validate document content and enforce security restrictions, enabling attackers to execute code or access sensitive information that should otherwise be restricted. This bypass occurs at the policy enforcement level where Edge fails to adequately verify the integrity and safety of loaded content, creating a pathway for malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, data theft, and privilege escalation. Attackers can craft web pages or documents that appear benign but contain malicious payloads that bypass the browser's security controls. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised websites where users are tricked into loading malicious content. The vulnerability affects all targeted Windows versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a large user base with varying security postures.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches that address the Content Security Policy validation flaw. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as enhanced web filtering, browser hardening configurations, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-164, which addresses security feature bypass issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through malicious content. Additionally, implementing proper user education about phishing and suspicious content loading practices can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and content inspection tools to detect and block malicious content before it reaches users, while maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.