CVE-2017-8645 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user due to the way that Microsoft browser JavaScript engines render content when handling objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8634, CVE-2017-8635, CVE-2017-8636, CVE-2017-8638, CVE-2017-8639, CVE-2017-8640, CVE-2017-8641, CVE-2017-8646, CVE-2017-8647, CVE-2017-8655, CVE-2017-8656, CVE-2017-8657, CVE-2017-8670, CVE-2017-8671, CVE-2017-8672, and CVE-2017-8674.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions including 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016. The issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability is classified as a scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically mapping to CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable JavaScript engine behavior when processing specific object structures in memory.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of memory objects within the browser's JavaScript rendering engine, where the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object handling operations. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the current user account. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's trusted execution environment, meaning that successful exploitation requires only a user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted email attachment. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation for execution through web-based attacks targeting browser vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the compromised system. Once executed, malicious code can leverage the user's privileges to access local resources, steal credentials, or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft Edge versions, making it particularly concerning for organizations with diverse Windows 10 deployments. Security researchers have noted that this type of memory corruption vulnerability is often difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring since the exploitation occurs within the browser process itself. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that no local system access is required for exploitation, making it a prime target for automated attacks and zero-day exploitation campaigns. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patch management, browser hardening, and network-based protections to defend against potential exploitation attempts.