CVE-2017-8608 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft browsers in Microsoft 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-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8601, CVE-2017-8618, CVE-2017-8619, CVE-2017-8603, CVE-2017-8604, CVE-2017-8605, CVE-2017-8595, CVE-2017-8606, CVE-2017-8607, and CVE-2017-8609
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's JavaScript engines that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows Server 2008, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, along with their respective server counterparts. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during JavaScript execution, specifically when the scripting engine attempts to render content that leads to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the JavaScript engine encounters malformed or improperly managed objects in memory, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. This issue falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise without requiring elevated privileges. The attack surface is broad as it affects all supported Microsoft browsers including Internet Explorer and Edge, making it a significant threat vector for enterprise environments where these browsers are commonly used. This vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that can be triggered through malicious web content, potentially delivered via phishing emails, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads. The exploitation requires the victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted document that triggers the vulnerable JavaScript engine functionality, making social engineering a critical component of successful attacks. The flaw demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where JavaScript engines must balance performance with memory safety, particularly when handling dynamic object manipulation and memory management. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations as it can be exploited remotely without user interaction once the malicious content is delivered, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised websites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques or when used as a foothold for lateral movement. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, web application firewalls, and browser hardening measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the post-exploitation capabilities that can be achieved through successful exploitation. Microsoft released patches for this vulnerability as part of their regular security updates, but organizations must ensure timely deployment to maintain security posture against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves sophisticated memory management issues within the JavaScript engine's object handling mechanisms. When the engine processes objects in memory, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the memory operations, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate memory addresses directly. This type of vulnerability is particularly challenging to detect and prevent because it operates at the intersection of high-level scripting and low-level memory management, requiring deep understanding of both components. The vulnerability demonstrates how modern browser engines must handle dynamic memory allocation and deallocation while maintaining security boundaries, a challenge that has been increasingly difficult as browsers have become more complex and feature-rich. The specific conditions that trigger this vulnerability involve complex interactions between JavaScript object creation, memory allocation patterns, and the scripting engine's rendering pipeline, making it difficult to predict or prevent without comprehensive patching or behavioral monitoring. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability type often serves as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, as it provides the fundamental capability to execute arbitrary code that can then be used to escalate privileges, establish persistence, or conduct data exfiltration. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the broader category of software vulnerabilities that can be exploited through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory safety violations. Organizations must understand that exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, as the attacker gains the ability to execute code with the privileges of the current user account, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the user has administrative rights. The remediation process requires careful coordination between security teams and system administrators to ensure that all affected systems receive the necessary patches while minimizing disruption to business operations. Given the broad range of affected platforms, organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems that may be vulnerable and prioritize patch deployment based on risk assessment and business criticality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation to encompass long-term security implications for affected organizations. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that attackers can compromise systems without physical access or direct user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may access untrusted websites or receive malicious emails. The complexity of the vulnerability means that detection is challenging, as it may not be immediately apparent when systems are compromised, potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistence and conduct extended reconnaissance activities. Organizations that fail to patch this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory penalties if sensitive information is accessed or exfiltrated through exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations must maintain comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems are protected, regardless of their specific operating system version or browser usage patterns. Security teams must also consider how this vulnerability interacts with other security controls and may require additional monitoring or detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework's categorization of this vulnerability under client-side exploitation techniques highlights the importance of user education and awareness programs to help prevent successful exploitation through social engineering or other attack vectors. Organizations should also implement network-based detection measures and behavioral analysis to identify anomalous activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact on browser security architectures demonstrates the ongoing challenge of maintaining secure software in complex environments where multiple components must work together while maintaining appropriate security boundaries. This vulnerability underscores the importance of continuous security monitoring and the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify and respond to new exploitation techniques targeting similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that patch deployment does not introduce compatibility issues or service disruptions, particularly in mission-critical environments where system availability is paramount.