CVE-2017-8655 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 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-2017-8645, CVE-2017-8646, CVE-2017-8647, 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 • 08/22/2024
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine, specifically affecting Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 systems. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue in the scripting engine's handling of objects during content rendering processes, creating a critical security gap that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management when processing JavaScript objects, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that bypass normal security boundaries. This particular issue represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where memory corruption occurs during object manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable JavaScript engine behavior when rendering specific object types. The exploitation process typically involves memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the currently logged-in user, effectively granting attackers full system access privileges. This vulnerability demonstrates how JavaScript engine flaws can create persistent security risks that remain exploitable across multiple Windows versions, as the underlying memory management issues persist regardless of the specific operating system build.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8655 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within targeted systems. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise without requiring additional privileges, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking unauthorized access. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions creates widespread exposure, as organizations maintaining older Windows 10 builds remain at risk. This memory corruption issue can be triggered through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications, making it a versatile exploitation target.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Microsoft, as the primary defense involves addressing the underlying scripting engine memory management flaw. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates, particularly focusing on Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, and 1703, along with Windows Server 2016 systems. Network-based defenses can include web application firewalls and content filtering systems that block suspicious JavaScript content, though these measures provide only partial protection. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual JavaScript engine behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution further emphasizes the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and behavioral monitoring to detect potential exploitation activities.