CVE-2018-0859 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-2018-0857, CVE-2018-0858, CVE-2018-0860, CVE-2018-0861, and CVE-2018-0866.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0859 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's ChakraCore JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating opportunities for remote code execution attacks that can be exploited by malicious actors without user interaction. The flaw stems from improper handling of memory management operations within the ChakraCore engine, which is the JavaScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge and is also used in various other Microsoft products and services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the category of memory corruption issues, which are commonly classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write" depending on the specific manifestation. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and scripting engine reliability, where improper memory handling allows attackers to manipulate object references and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The ChakraCore engine's memory management functions fail to properly validate object boundaries during JavaScript execution, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged through crafted web content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments as it enables remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. The exploitability of CVE-2018-0859 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or deliver malware through compromised websites that trigger the memory corruption when Microsoft Edge processes JavaScript content. The affected Windows versions including 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 create a broad attack surface across enterprise environments where these systems remain in production.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistence mechanisms. The memory corruption allows attackers to bypass security mitigations such as ASLR and DEP, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. Organizations running affected systems face critical risk of data breaches, malware deployment, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's classification under the broader category of scripting engine memory corruption aligns with Microsoft's security advisory practices and represents a fundamental flaw in how JavaScript objects are managed during runtime execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0859 focus primarily on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues in ChakraCore. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block potentially malicious web content. Browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript for untrusted sites and implementing strict security policies can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs like CVE-2018-0834 through CVE-2018-0866 demonstrates a pattern of scripting engine vulnerabilities that require comprehensive patch management strategies. Additionally, monitoring for unusual JavaScript execution patterns and implementing endpoint detection and response capabilities can help identify exploitation attempts before they succeed.