CVE-2017-8724 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1703 allows an attacker to trick a user by redirecting the user to a specially crafted website, due to the way that Microsoft Edge parses HTTP content, aka "Microsoft Edge Spoofing Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8735.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8724 represents a sophisticated spoofing vulnerability within Microsoft Edge browser that affects Windows 10 Version 1703. This security flaw exploits the browser's handling of HTTP content parsing mechanisms to deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites while actually being redirected to malicious content. The vulnerability stems from Microsoft Edge's insufficient validation of HTTP headers and content, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the browser's rendering behavior. Security researchers have categorized this issue under CWE-601 as an open redirect vulnerability, where the browser fails to properly verify the authenticity of redirected content and URLs. The attack vector specifically targets user trust by leveraging the browser's parsing inconsistencies to present misleading interface elements that appear legitimate to the end user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way Microsoft Edge processes HTTP content headers and responses during navigation operations. When users encounter specially crafted web pages, the browser's HTTP content parser fails to adequately validate the authenticity of redirect instructions or content modifications. This parsing flaw allows attackers to inject malicious content that appears to originate from trusted domains, enabling sophisticated phishing attacks and credential theft operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and leverages the browser's trust model for URL handling and content presentation. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that manipulate the browser's rendering engine to display deceptive interfaces while maintaining the appearance of legitimate websites, making this particularly dangerous for social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8724 extends beyond simple deception to enable more severe security breaches including credential harvesting, malware distribution, and data exfiltration. Users who fall victim to this spoofing attack may unknowingly enter sensitive information on fraudulent websites that appear authentic, while the browser's failure to properly validate HTTP content creates persistent security risks. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566 demonstrates its utility in phishing and social engineering operations, where attackers can manipulate browser behavior to bypass user security awareness. Organizations using affected Windows 10 versions face increased risk of successful phishing campaigns, as the vulnerability operates without requiring special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8724 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security updates and patches as soon as they become available. System administrators should ensure immediate deployment of the Windows 10 update that addresses this specific vulnerability, as Microsoft released security patches specifically targeting the HTTP content parsing flaw in Edge browser. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security extensions, configuring network-level protections such as web application firewalls, and establishing user education programs focused on recognizing spoofed content. Organizations should also consider implementing strict content security policies and monitoring for unusual HTTP redirect patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's resolution through Microsoft's regular update cycle demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and following vendor security advisories to protect against known browser-based attack vectors.