CVE-2017-8603 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 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-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8598, CVE-2017-8618, CVE-2017-8619, CVE-2017-8595, CVE-2017-8601, 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 • 12/12/2022
This vulnerability resides within the scripting engine of Microsoft Edge browser, specifically affecting Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when the JavaScript engine attempts to render objects in memory, creating a critical security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption flaw under CWE-125, which represents an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This particular weakness falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically JavaScript, where adversaries leverage browser-based scripting vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The issue stems from improper handling of memory objects during JavaScript execution, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially overwrite critical program structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables privilege escalation from regular user context to full system compromise without requiring additional privileges or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious web content that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, triggers the memory corruption condition and subsequently executes arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites or receive malicious emails with embedded web content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's JavaScript engine, which is frequently used for legitimate web applications, making detection difficult and increasing the attack surface. The memory corruption allows for potential information disclosure, system compromise, and persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the specific memory handling issues within the Edge browser's scripting engine. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block known malicious domains and content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can reduce the exploitation surface. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors, while user education programs can help reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious payloads through browser-based exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated browser-based attacks that target fundamental components of operating systems.