CVE-2017-8739 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1703 allows an attacker to obtain information to further compromise the user's system, due to the way that the Microsoft Edge scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8739 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Edge browser's scripting engine implementation on Windows 10 version 1703. This vulnerability specifically affects the way the browser's JavaScript engine processes and manages objects in memory, creating an exploitable condition that could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the system. The flaw resides in the underlying engine's memory handling mechanisms, which fail to properly validate or sanitize object references during script execution, potentially allowing malicious code to access memory locations that should remain protected.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues, and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform memory disclosure attacks, potentially obtaining pointers, stack addresses, or other sensitive data that could be used to bypass security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ChakraScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge, which is responsible for executing JavaScript code and managing memory allocation for web content. This flaw enables an attacker to potentially gather information about the memory layout of the browser process, which serves as a foundation for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8739 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical data needed to carry out advanced persistent threats. When combined with other vulnerabilities or through techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming, this information disclosure can significantly weaken the security posture of affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where attackers seek to understand system memory structures to craft more effective exploits. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it provides the initial information gathering necessary for more comprehensive attacks. The flaw affects all Windows 10 users running version 1703, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the ChakraScript engine. Organizations should prioritize updating their Windows 10 systems to the latest security updates, particularly those released in the May 2017 security updates. Browser hardening measures such as enabling sandboxing features, restricting JavaScript execution in sensitive contexts, and implementing strict content security policies can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows 10 and ensure that automated patch management systems are properly configured to deliver security updates in a timely manner. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed remediation in enterprise environments where users may be running outdated system versions.