CVE-2017-8729 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1703 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to the way that the Microsoft Edge scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8649, CVE-2017-8660, CVE-2017-8738, CVE-2017-8740, CVE-2017-8741, CVE-2017-8748, CVE-2017-8752, CVE-2017-8753, CVE-2017-8755, CVE-2017-8756, and CVE-2017-11764.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically targeting the way it manages objects in memory during web page execution. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when Edge processes certain JavaScript objects, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This represents a critical security weakness in the browser's memory management system that could be exploited through malicious web content without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where a program accesses memory beyond the intended bounds. In this case, the scripting engine fails to properly validate object boundaries during memory operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory locations and potentially overwrite critical program data or execute arbitrary instructions. The vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Windows 10 version 1703, making it particularly concerning for organizations running this particular OS version where Edge serves as the default browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain code execution privileges within the user context, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The exploit requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for phishing campaigns or drive-by attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that a successful exploitation could allow attackers to perform actions equivalent to those performed by the legitimate user, including accessing files, modifying system settings, or launching further attacks against network resources.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the flaw represents a high-severity threat that could be actively exploited in the wild. System administrators should also consider implementing additional browser security measures such as enabling enhanced protection modes, restricting JavaScript execution in sensitive environments, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs in the same vulnerability family indicates that Microsoft's scripting engine was experiencing broader memory management issues during this period, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security updates rather than isolated patches. Network defenders should also implement web filtering solutions and browser hardening configurations to reduce the attack surface while awaiting official patches. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of running outdated software versions in enterprise environments where Edge browsers are actively used for business operations.