CVE-2017-8754 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to trick a user into loading a page containing malicious content, due to the way that the Edge Content Security Policy (CSP) validates certain specially crafted documents, aka "Microsoft Edge Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8723.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-8754 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge browser's implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) validation mechanisms. This issue affects multiple Windows 10 versions including Gold, 1511, 1607, and 1703, as well as Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated bypass mechanism that exploits the way Edge processes certain crafted documents, effectively undermining the browser's core security protections.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of Content Security Policy directives within specially crafted web documents. When Edge encounters these maliciously constructed pages, the browser's CSP implementation fails to properly enforce security restrictions that should prevent execution of unauthorized scripts or loading of malicious resources. This validation failure creates a security bypass where attackers can circumvent intended restrictions that would normally prevent cross-site scripting attacks, script injection, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability specifically targets the CSP enforcement logic, which is designed to prevent a wide range of web-based attacks by controlling which resources can be loaded and executed within a web page context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to perform security feature bypass attacks that could lead to various malicious outcomes including credential theft, data exfiltration, or further system compromise. An attacker could craft malicious web pages that appear legitimate to users while silently bypassing Edge's security controls, potentially enabling phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, or other exploit chains. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 creates a substantial attack surface that organizations must address immediately, as users could be tricked into visiting compromised websites that exploit this bypass mechanism.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, as it represents an improper handling of security policy validation that allows unauthorized operations to proceed. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage this bypass to execute malicious scripts or commands within the browser context. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, disabling potentially risky browser features, and implementing network-level controls to detect and block malicious content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper CSP implementation and validation, as it demonstrates how even well-intentioned security mechanisms can be bypassed through subtle implementation flaws, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of browser security features.