CVE-2017-8672 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-2017-8671, and CVE-2017-8674.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Edge's JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. The issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during content rendering processes, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability specifically targets the scripting engine's memory management mechanisms, where insufficient bounds checking or improper object handling leads to memory corruption that attackers can exploit to gain control over the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in memory management, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These weaknesses in the JavaScript engine's implementation allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code through carefully crafted web content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's execution context, meaning that successful exploitation requires only a user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted document, making it highly prevalent in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is the default browser or where users may encounter malicious content through legitimate business applications. The attack surface expands beyond simple web browsing to include email attachments, document viewers, and any application that integrates Edge's rendering engine. The exploit typically involves crafting JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption through specific object manipulation patterns, leading to code execution that can escalate privileges and establish persistence on the compromised system.
Security professionals should prioritize patch management for this vulnerability, as Microsoft released security updates in their August 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure, deploy web application firewalls, and monitor for suspicious browser activity. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation through browser-based attacks. Additional mitigations include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing application whitelisting, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The affected systems require immediate remediation to prevent successful exploitation attempts that could lead to full system compromise and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.