CVE-2017-8619 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows a remote code execution vulnerability in the way affected Microsoft scripting engines render when handling objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8596, CVE-2017-8610, CVE-2017-8601, CVE-2017-8603, CVE-2017-8604, CVE-2017-8605, CVE-2017-8606, CVE-2017-8607, CVE-2017-8608, CVE-2017-8618, CVE-2017-9598 and CVE-2017-8609.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's scripting engines affecting multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests when the affected scripting engines process objects in memory, creating conditions that can be exploited for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the way JavaScript and other scripting languages are interpreted and executed within the browser environment, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for script-based execution, where adversaries exploit scripting engines to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core rendering engine of Microsoft Edge, which processes web content including JavaScript, VBScript, and other scripting languages. When these engines handle malformed or specially crafted objects in memory, they fail to properly validate memory boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and redirect execution flow.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple exploitation as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be weaponized through various delivery mechanisms. Attackers typically leverage this vulnerability through malicious websites, phishing emails with embedded web content, or compromised advertisements that trigger the vulnerable code path. The affected Windows versions including 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, along with Windows Server 2016, all share the same scripting engine components that contain this memory corruption flaw. This creates a widespread attack surface across enterprise and consumer environments, particularly targeting users who engage with untrusted web content or visit malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application as the primary defense mechanism, with Microsoft releasing security updates to address the specific memory corruption issues in the scripting engines. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web proxies that filter malicious content, browser security enhancements, and application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted scripts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening suspicious email attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defense strategies. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing exploit prevention measures that can detect and block attempts to leverage memory corruption flaws in scripting engines. Regular security assessments should focus on identifying and remediating similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and scripting environments to maintain comprehensive protection against advanced persistent threats.