CVE-2018-0837 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote code execution, due to how the scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0834, CVE-2018-0835, CVE-2018-0836, CVE-2018-0838, CVE-2018-0840, CVE-2018-0856, CVE-2018-0857, CVE-2018-0858, CVE-2018-0859, CVE-2018-0860, CVE-2018-0861, and CVE-2018-0866.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0837 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's ChakraCore JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. This flaw resides in the scripting engine's handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise affected systems without user interaction. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory management mechanisms within ChakraCore, which is Microsoft's high-performance JavaScript engine used in Edge browser and various other Microsoft applications. Security researchers have classified this issue as a severe memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The flaw manifests when the JavaScript engine improperly manages object references and memory allocation during script execution, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-0837 leverages memory corruption patterns that align with common software security vulnerabilities categorized under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and CWE-787, which covers "Out-of-bounds Write" scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or scripts that trigger the vulnerable code path within ChakraCore, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple browser exploitation as ChakraCore is also used in other Microsoft applications and services, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. This memory corruption vulnerability operates at a low level within the JavaScript engine's memory management subsystem, where improper handling of object lifecycles and memory allocation can lead to predictable memory layout issues. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks and mass exploitation campaigns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows 10 systems are deployed across various organizational tiers. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by delivering malicious content through web browsers, email attachments, or compromised websites without requiring any user action. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 face potential compromise of sensitive data, system availability, and overall network security posture. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows 10 releases including Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709 indicates a persistent flaw that affects a broad range of deployed systems. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks once initial compromise occurs, as attackers can use the executed code to establish persistence, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," and T1068, which addresses "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation."
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0837 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability requires no user interaction for exploitation. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious JavaScript content. Browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in untrusted environments, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing exploit prevention technologies and ensuring that all Windows systems are running the latest security updates to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to avoid potential compatibility issues with existing applications that may rely on the vulnerable scripting engine behaviors.