CVE-2018-0857 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-2018-0837, CVE-2018-0838, CVE-2018-0840, CVE-2018-0856, 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 • 02/03/2021
This vulnerability resides in the ChakraCore JavaScript engine used by Microsoft Edge and Windows 10 operating systems across multiple versions including 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that occurs when the scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating a remote code execution vector that adversaries can exploit. The vulnerability specifically affects how ChakraCore manages memory allocation and object handling during JavaScript execution, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where malicious code can be delivered through compromised websites or phishing attacks. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability maps to an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to memory corruption, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique leveraging browser exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of JavaScript objects during memory operations within the ChakraCore engine. When malicious JavaScript code is executed in Microsoft Edge, the engine's memory management routines fail to properly validate object boundaries, leading to corruption of adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code, effectively allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems. The flaw is particularly insidious because it operates at the core engine level where legitimate JavaScript execution is processed, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malicious operations during runtime.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0857 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is the default browser or where Windows 10 systems are deployed. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through drive-by downloads from compromised websites, malicious email attachments, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into visiting malicious sites. The remote code execution capability means that successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to target networks. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches released through Windows Update or Microsoft Security Response Center. System administrators should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block known malicious domains and scripts. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional protection layers. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing behavioral monitoring and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts, while organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may still be running affected versions of the operating system or browser components.