CVE-2018-0771 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows a security feature bypass, due to how Edge handles different-origin requests, aka "Microsoft Edge Security Feature Bypass".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 versions 1607 and 1703 as well as Windows Server 2016 contains a security feature bypass vulnerability that stems from improper handling of cross-origin requests. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 category of memory corruption issues and represents a significant weakness in the browser's security model. The flaw specifically affects how Edge processes requests originating from different domains, creating an opportunity for attackers to circumvent intended security protections. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to exploit the browser's origin policy enforcement mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted based on domain boundaries. This issue represents a critical gap in the browser's security architecture that could be leveraged for various attack vectors including data exfiltration and privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Edge fails to properly validate cross-origin requests, allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions that normally prevent access to resources across different origins. This bypass affects the browser's same-origin policy implementation which is fundamental to web security standards and is closely related to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The flaw enables attackers to perform actions that should be restricted by the browser's security model, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's ability to maintain proper isolation between different web origins, creating a pathway for malicious code execution or information disclosure. Security researchers identified that the issue stems from insufficient validation of cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) headers and improper handling of cross-domain requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security bypass scenarios, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks that leverage the browser's trust model. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to access cookies, local storage, or other sensitive data that should be protected by cross-origin restrictions. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise deployments where Windows Server 2016 systems may be exposed to external threats. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 and Server 2016 face increased risk of data breaches and privilege escalation attacks that could compromise entire network infrastructures. The security feature bypass allows attackers to circumvent protections that are fundamental to modern web browser security implementations and can be combined with other vulnerabilities to create more severe attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the core issue in Edge's cross-origin request handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual cross-origin request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features and implementing strict content security policies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious cross-origin resource access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper origin validation and CORS header implementation in web applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other browser components or web applications that may be affected by similar cross-origin security flaws. Organizations should also implement security awareness training to help prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.