CVE-2018-0873 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
ChakraCore and Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 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-2018-0872, 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 • 02/04/2021
The ChakraCore scripting engine vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0873 represents a critical memory corruption flaw that affects Microsoft Windows 10 versions 1511, 1607, 1703, and 1709 along with Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engine component that powers Microsoft Edge browser and other applications utilizing ChakraCore, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, which can lead to arbitrary code execution when an attacker successfully crafts malicious web content or downloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects widely deployed operating system versions and can be exploited through web browsers or other applications that utilize the Chakra scripting engine. This issue is distinct from several related vulnerabilities including CVE-2018-0872, CVE-2018-0874, and others, each representing different aspects of the Chakra engine's memory management 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 conditions, both of which are common in memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0873 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious JavaScript content through compromised websites, email attachments, or other attack vectors that trigger the vulnerable Chakra engine. The memory corruption occurs during object handling operations, making it particularly difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack surface is broad since ChakraCore is integrated into multiple Microsoft products including Edge browser, Internet Explorer, and various Office applications that support JavaScript execution. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where targeted attacks are common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0873 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability affects multiple supported Windows releases. System administrators should implement network segmentation and browser hardening measures to reduce exposure, particularly disabling unnecessary JavaScript execution in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the target system to execute malicious JavaScript code, which means that browser security configurations, including disabling script execution for untrusted sites, can provide temporary protection. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code, though this approach has limitations given the complexity of modern web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and execution through web browsers, with potential lateral movement opportunities once initial access is achieved. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns, memory allocation anomalies, and network connections to known malicious domains. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify systems potentially affected by this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in the Chakra engine, ensuring comprehensive protection against advanced persistent threats that may exploit these weaknesses.