CVE-2018-0773 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-2018-0768, CVE-2018-0769, CVE-2018-0770, CVE-2018-0772, 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 identified as CVE-2018-0773 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that affects Windows 10 version 1709. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw specifically targets the JavaScript scripting engine component that processes web content, making it particularly dangerous in browser-based attack scenarios where adversaries can leverage malicious web pages to deliver exploit payloads.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The scripting engine fails to properly validate memory operations when processing certain object references, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and execution phases of JavaScript code, where the engine does not adequately check object boundaries or memory access patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments as it enables attackers to bypass standard security controls through browser-based attacks. The exploit requires no local privileges to initiate, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks against unsuspecting users. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, trigger the memory corruption condition and subsequently execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects the browser's ability to properly isolate and manage memory resources during script execution, creating a persistent threat vector.
The attack surface for CVE-2018-0773 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The flaw operates within the browser's memory management subsystem, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security controls. Organizations running Windows 10 version 1709 are particularly vulnerable as this version did not include the necessary mitigations or patches that would have addressed the memory corruption patterns exploited by this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor released specific fixes for this vulnerability in their regular update cycles. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures including restricted browsing permissions and enhanced sandboxing configurations. Network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers, though they cannot fully prevent exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability. The recommended approach combines immediate patching with ongoing monitoring for indicators of compromise related to browser-based attacks, ensuring comprehensive protection against this specific scripting engine vulnerability.