CVE-2018-0767 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 • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0767 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability operates at the core of how the browser's JavaScript engine manages memory objects, creating an avenue for attackers to extract sensitive information that could facilitate further exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests in the scripting engine's handling of objects in memory, where improper memory management allows for information leakage that could be leveraged by malicious actors to gain deeper system access. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as it exploits the scripting environment's weaknesses to gather intelligence. The affected systems include Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709, along with Windows Server 2016, creating a substantial attack surface across enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability's designation as a "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability" indicates that attackers can potentially access memory addresses, object layouts, or other sensitive data structures that would normally remain protected within the browser's memory management system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the scripting engine's improper handling of memory objects during JavaScript execution, particularly when dealing with complex object interactions and memory allocation patterns. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger specific JavaScript code sequences designed to exploit memory management flaws, causing the engine to leak information about memory addresses or object structures. This information leakage occurs through mechanisms such as heap spraying, object reuse, or memory corruption patterns that reveal internal browser state information. The vulnerability is distinct from related issues CVE-2018-0780 and CVE-2018-0800, which address different aspects of the scripting engine's security model, emphasizing that this particular flaw focuses specifically on information disclosure rather than arbitrary code execution or other attack vectors. The memory-based nature of the vulnerability means that even if an attacker cannot directly execute code, they can gather sufficient information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the same target, potentially enabling privilege escalation or bypass of security mitigations like ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) or DEP (Data Execution Prevention).
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0767 extends beyond immediate information disclosure, as the leaked memory information provides attackers with critical insights into the browser's internal architecture and memory layout. This intelligence can be used to develop more effective exploitation techniques against other vulnerabilities or to bypass security mechanisms that rely on memory randomization. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 creates widespread risk across both enterprise and consumer environments, particularly in corporate networks where Edge browser usage is common. Organizations running affected systems face potential risks including credential theft, privilege escalation, and system compromise through subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction through malicious web content, making social engineering attacks more effective as they can target users to visit compromised websites that trigger the information disclosure mechanism. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain where information gathering precedes more destructive exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0767 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability through regular Windows Update channels. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches across all affected Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016 installations to eliminate the information disclosure risk. Browser hardening measures including disabling JavaScript in untrusted environments or implementing additional security controls such as Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious web content that attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous browser behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and awareness of social engineering tactics that could lead to visiting malicious websites remains crucial. The vulnerability's classification as information disclosure means that organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure proper handling of potential information leakage events, as this type of vulnerability can serve as a precursor to more serious security incidents. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific vulnerability to ensure comprehensive coverage of the affected systems.