CVE-2017-8647 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1703 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-2017-8645, CVE-2017-8646, 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 • 01/08/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that enables remote code execution with user-level privileges. The issue manifests when the browser's scripting engine processes objects in memory during content rendering operations, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the currently logged-in user. This particular vulnerability affects Windows 10 version 1703, which was released in April 2017 as part of the creators update. The flaw falls under the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the JavaScript engine's handling of memory objects during rendering processes, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attack scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific memory corruption pattern that arises when Edge's JavaScript engine encounters certain object manipulation sequences during page rendering. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path, causing the browser to improperly handle memory objects which results in arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow or memory corruption issue, where the attacker can manipulate the memory layout to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" which are common patterns in scripting engine exploits. The attack vector typically involves visiting a malicious website or receiving a specially crafted email with embedded malicious content that triggers the vulnerable JavaScript engine behavior.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive malicious emails containing the exploit. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls and escalate privileges to the user context, potentially leading to full system compromise through additional attack chains. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Microsoft Edge as the default browser in Windows 10 environments, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise networks. Security researchers have documented that this type of vulnerability often serves as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including credential theft, lateral movement, and data exfiltration operations. The vulnerability's presence in Windows 10 1703 means that organizations running this version are particularly at risk, as the patching cycle for this specific update may not have been immediately available to all users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant security patches released by Microsoft through the Windows Update system, as well as implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it in the T1059.007 technique category for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," indicating that defensive measures should include monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns and anomalous code loading behaviors. Additionally, implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, enabling sandboxing controls, and deploying application whitelisting policies can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as the exploitation often generates specific network signatures that can be used for early detection and incident response activities.