CVE-2017-8751 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 1703 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to the way that Microsoft Edge accesses objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8731, CVE-2017-8734, and CVE-2017-11766.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8751 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge browser that operates on Windows 1703 systems. This issue stems from improper handling of memory objects during browser operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The flaw specifically affects the browser's memory management mechanisms, where Microsoft Edge fails to properly validate or sanitize object references during runtime operations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user context level, meaning successful exploitation would allow attackers to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, or accessing sensitive user data without requiring administrative privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when Microsoft Edge processes certain web content that triggers improper memory access patterns, potentially leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Edge, cause the browser to access invalid memory locations. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the broader category of software flaws that can be exploited through carefully constructed input data to manipulate program execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in browser environments where users frequently encounter untrusted web content, making the attack surface expansive and the exploitation risk significant.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8751 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain the ability to operate within the user's security context, potentially accessing personal files, browsing history, and stored credentials. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge during the Windows 1703 release cycle means that organizations running this version of Windows were particularly vulnerable, as the flaw existed in a widely deployed browser application. This makes the vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking to conduct targeted attacks or deploy malware campaigns, as the attack requires minimal privileges and can be delivered through standard web browsing activities. The fact that this CVE is distinct from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2017-8731, CVE-2017-8734, and CVE-2017-11766 indicates that it represents a unique memory management flaw in Edge's rendering engine, requiring specific mitigation approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8751 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that addressed this specific vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to prevent exploitation. In addition to patch management, defensive measures such as browser hardening, sandboxing, and network-based protections can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing strict content filtering and user education about avoiding suspicious web content can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns or code execution behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, making it a critical target for both preventive security measures and incident response preparedness. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining security posture.