CVE-2017-8671 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft 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-2017-8645, CVE-2017-8646, CVE-2017-8647, CVE-2017-8655, CVE-2017-8656, CVE-2017-8657, CVE-2017-8670, CVE-2017-8672, and CVE-2017-8674.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests when the browser's rendering engine processes objects in memory, creating conditions where malicious code can be executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the scripting engine level, meaning attackers can leverage it to bypass standard security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted web content that triggers memory corruption within Edge's JavaScript engine components. When Microsoft Edge processes malformed or maliciously constructed objects in memory, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code. This memory corruption vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts that can escalate privileges and establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects specific Windows 10 releases including version 1511, 1607, and 1703, along with Windows Server 2016, indicating a widespread impact across Microsoft's supported platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers exploiting this flaw can leverage the elevated privileges of the current user to access sensitive information, install additional malware, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or opening specially crafted web content, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the compromised user context provides access to local resources and potentially networked systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the primary fix involves addressing the underlying memory corruption in the JavaScript engine. System administrators should implement network-level protections such as browser isolation, content filtering, and restricted browsing environments to limit exposure. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized code execution even if the vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability's relationship to CWE-787, out-of-bounds write conditions, suggests that memory safety mechanisms should be strengthened through code reviews and runtime protections. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory access patterns or JavaScript engine behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for proper patch status across all affected Windows 10 and Server 2016 installations to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.