CVE-2018-0774 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-2018-0773, 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 • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0774 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that affects Windows 10 version 1709. This issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise user systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engine's memory management mechanisms, where objects are allocated and deallocated during runtime operations. When the scripting engine processes certain malformed or crafted script content, it fails to properly validate memory references, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This particular vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues in the same vulnerability family, indicating a unique code path or memory handling pattern that differentiates it from similar scripting engine flaws.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These weaknesses in memory management create opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and redirect execution flow within the browser process. The exploitation typically involves crafting malicious web content that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, triggers the memory corruption condition. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web pages that contain specially crafted JavaScript code designed to trigger the memory corruption. The vulnerability's impact is significant because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the legitimate user, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is actively used as a web browser. The attack surface is broad since Edge is often the default browser for Windows 10 users, and the exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of their threat modeling exercises, particularly when evaluating the attack surface of web-based applications and browser security configurations. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for Scripting with JavaScript, and potentially T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual browser behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's exploitation can be detected through network traffic analysis, browser process monitoring, and endpoint detection and response solutions that track suspicious memory operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0774 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issue in the scripting engine. System administrators should also implement browser hardening configurations that restrict script execution and limit memory access patterns. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their systems updated. Organizations may also consider implementing browser isolation techniques or using alternative browsers with more robust memory management as temporary mitigations while waiting for official patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defense strategies to protect against sophisticated browser-based attacks that target fundamental runtime components of modern web browsers.