CVE-2018-0872 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016 allows remote code execution, due to how the Chakra scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0873, CVE-2018-0874, CVE-2018-0930, CVE-2018-0931, CVE-2018-0933, CVE-2018-0934, CVE-2018-0936, and CVE-2018-0937.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
The ChakraCore scripting engine vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0872 represents a critical memory corruption flaw that affects Microsoft Windows 10 versions 10.0.10240, 10.0.14393, 10.0.16299, 10.0.17134, 10.0.17763, and Windows Server 2016 systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of objects within memory structures during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw exists within the ChakraCore JavaScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge browser and is also utilized in various other Microsoft applications and services. Security researchers identified this issue as part of a broader class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically been among the most dangerous exploit targets due to their potential for arbitrary code execution.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra scripting engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries and object references, leading to situations where attackers can manipulate memory contents through crafted malicious scripts. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of JavaScript code, particularly when dealing with complex object interactions and memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability manifests when the engine attempts to access or modify memory locations that have been improperly managed or freed, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised process. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0872 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through drive-by download scenarios where malicious websites host JavaScript code designed to exploit the memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability affects not only Microsoft Edge but also any application or service that utilizes the ChakraCore engine, including Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office applications, and various Windows Store apps. This broad attack surface increases the potential for successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple applications may be running with elevated privileges. The exploit chain typically involves crafting malicious JavaScript that triggers the memory corruption, followed by code execution that can escalate privileges or establish persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application as provided by Microsoft through their regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the security updates released in March 2018, which specifically address the memory corruption issues within ChakraCore. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known malicious JavaScript patterns. Browser hardening measures such as disabling scripting engines for untrusted content, implementing strict sandboxing, and using enhanced security configurations can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual memory access patterns, unexpected code execution, and network connections to known malicious domains. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1059.007 technique category for JavaScript-based execution, making it important for security operations centers to monitor for these specific attack patterns in their network traffic and endpoint detection systems.