CVE-2017-8607 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft browsers in Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and R2, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, 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 engines fail to render when handling objects in memory in Microsoft browsers, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8598, CVE-2017-8596, CVE-2017-8618, CVE-2017-8619, CVE-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8601, CVE-2017-8603, CVE-2017-8604, CVE-2017-8605, CVE-2017-8595, CVE-2017-8606, CVE-2017-8608, and CVE-2017-8609
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8607 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems and their associated web browsers. This vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engines within Microsoft browsers including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, exploiting a flaw in how these engines handle object rendering in memory. The issue manifests when the browser's scripting engine fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation processes, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The vulnerability affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and R2, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern across Microsoft's product ecosystem.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's execution environment, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate the scripting engine's behavior through carefully crafted JavaScript code. The flaw occurs during object handling operations when the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate or sanitize memory access patterns, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web content that, when rendered by an affected browser, triggers the vulnerable code path and executes arbitrary commands with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond normal browser usage, making it an ideal vector for phishing attacks and drive-by downloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8607 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 indicates it involves an out-of-bounds read condition that allows attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling privilege escalation. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a valuable tool in advanced persistent threat campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in both Internet Explorer and Edge browsers creates multiple attack surfaces, as users may encounter malicious content across different browsing contexts, and the broad version compatibility increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8607 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security update mechanisms, as the vulnerability has been addressed through regular security updates. Organizations should implement network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block known malicious domains and content patterns. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and configuring enhanced protection modes can reduce exploitation success rates. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and downloading unknown files, as social engineering remains a primary delivery mechanism for this type of vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may have been compromised or remain unpatched, while implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.