CVE-2018-0768 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1709 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-2018-0762, 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
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically affecting Windows 10 version 1709. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs when the engine processes objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects during script execution, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user. This represents a critical security gap that could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in memory management, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes in memory operations. These classifications indicate that the scripting engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries when processing objects, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and script execution, where the engine's object handling mechanisms do not adequately protect against malformed or malicious input that could cause memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is the default browser. Attackers could leverage this flaw through drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, or compromised websites to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The attack requires minimal user interaction, often just visiting a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The privilege escalation aspect means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, or accessing sensitive user data. This vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically targeting the command and scripting interpreter to execute malicious code.
The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially compromise entire enterprise networks, especially in environments where Edge is widely used or where users frequently access untrusted websites. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft's security patches, configuring browser security settings to restrict potentially dangerous scripting operations, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing browser isolation technologies and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability. The distinct nature of this CVE from related vulnerabilities underscores the need for comprehensive patch management strategies that address the specific memory handling flaws present in the Edge scripting engine's implementation.