CVE-2018-0762 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, and Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to how the scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0758, CVE-2018-0768, CVE-2018-0769, CVE-2018-0770, CVE-2018-0772, CVE-2018-0773, CVE-2018-0774, CVE-2018-0775, CVE-2018-0776, CVE-2018-0777, CVE-2018-0778, and CVE-2018-0781.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0762 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's scripting engine that affects multiple operating systems and browser versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the way the scripting engine manages objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The affected systems include Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 and R2 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, and various versions of Windows 10 from Gold through 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw operates at a fundamental level within the browser's memory management system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions in software systems, and more specifically aligns with memory corruption patterns that enable arbitrary code execution. The scripting engine's improper handling of memory objects creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that operates through the browser's JavaScript engine, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue means that it can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious web content that triggers the flawed memory handling behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet and may encounter malicious content. The attack surface is extensive given the widespread use of Internet Explorer across various Windows versions, and the fact that exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website makes it particularly dangerous. The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation attacks that can result in full system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to lateral movement within networks, as attackers often use such initial access vectors to establish footholds for more extensive operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0762 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the memory handling flaws in the scripting engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing content security policies, and using enhanced browser isolation techniques. The vulnerability's presence in both Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge requires comprehensive patch management across all affected systems, as the underlying scripting engine components are shared between these browsers. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the risks of visiting untrusted websites remains crucial in mitigating the impact of this vulnerability, as it represents a classic example of how browser-based attacks can bypass traditional security controls through memory corruption exploits.