CVE-2017-8749 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 Gold, 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 Internet Explorer accesses objects in memory, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8747.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8749 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 10 version 1703. This issue stems from how Internet Explorer handles object manipulation in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's memory management mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate memory objects in ways that were not properly validated or restricted by the browser's security model.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a memory corruption attack that exploits improper handling of objects within Internet Explorer's memory space. Attackers can craft malicious web content that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, triggers a memory corruption condition that ultimately allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can be manipulated to overwrite critical memory structures.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2017-8749 is severe as it enables attackers to execute malicious code remotely without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple versions may coexist. Security researchers have mapped this vulnerability to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistence or escalate privileges. The attack surface is significantly expanded due to Internet Explorer's widespread use and default browser status on affected Windows versions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically begins with a phishing campaign or compromised website that delivers malicious JavaScript code designed to trigger the memory corruption. Once executed, the malicious code can manipulate memory pointers and overwrite critical structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations should note that this vulnerability is part of a broader class of memory corruption issues that have historically been the primary target for advanced persistent threat groups seeking to establish footholds in networks. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Windows versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the browser's memory management that required extensive patching efforts to address effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8749 primarily involve immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, as well as implementing browser hardening measures. Organizations should consider disabling Internet Explorer or implementing strict browser isolation policies to reduce exposure risk. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all supported operating systems, as the affected versions of Windows continue to receive security updates through Microsoft's extended support lifecycle. Additionally, implementing user education programs about avoiding suspicious web content can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation in environments where immediate patching is not feasible.