CVE-2018-0766 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to obtain information to further compromise the user's system, due to how the scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0780 and CVE-2018-0800.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
This vulnerability exists within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine on specific Windows 10 versions including 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, as well as Windows Server 2016. The flaw manifests as an information disclosure issue that occurs when the scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and represents a critical weakness in the memory management and object handling mechanisms of the browser's JavaScript engine. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how improper handling of memory objects can lead to unintended information leakage that adversaries can exploit to gain deeper system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the scripting engine's improper handling of memory objects during normal browser operations. When Edge processes certain JavaScript objects, the memory management routines fail to properly isolate or secure sensitive information that may be stored in memory regions accessible to the scripting engine. This creates a scenario where an attacker could craft malicious web content that triggers memory access patterns leading to information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects how the engine manages object references and memory allocation, allowing for potential data leakage that could include stack contents, heap information, or other sensitive memory structures. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial data that can be used to develop more sophisticated attacks against the targeted system. The leaked information could include memory addresses, object layouts, or other system-specific details that would enable attackers to bypass security mitigations such as address space layout randomization or stack canaries. This vulnerability particularly affects users who browse untrusted websites, as the attack can be delivered through malicious web content without requiring any additional user interaction beyond visiting the compromised site. The information obtained through this vulnerability could be leveraged to create more effective exploit chains targeting other components of the system, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely and persistently.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, specifically targeting the Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected systems to prevent exploitation, as this vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to gather information for more advanced attacks. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security restrictions such as disabling unnecessary scripting capabilities, using enhanced security configurations, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious content. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor memory handling flaws can create significant security risks when exploited by determined attackers.