CVE-2018-0874 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-2018-0872, CVE-2018-0873, 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0874 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine that affects multiple Windows operating system versions including Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability specifically targets the Chakra scripting engine's improper handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists in the way the engine manages memory allocation and object references, particularly when processing certain JavaScript code sequences that lead to buffer overflows or memory corruption states. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and specifically relates to improper memory management within scripting engines that process untrusted input. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution, where adversaries leverage scripting languages to execute malicious code in compromised environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious website or application triggers specific JavaScript code that causes the Chakra engine to improperly handle memory objects, leading to corruption of adjacent memory regions. Attackers can craft malicious web content that when loaded in Microsoft Edge or other applications utilizing ChakraCore, will cause the engine to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised process. The memory corruption typically manifests through use-after-free conditions or heap-based buffer overflows that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations including function pointers or return addresses. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the scripting engine level, meaning successful exploitation can bypass traditional security controls and potentially lead to full system compromise. The flaw's impact extends beyond the browser environment since ChakraCore is used in various Microsoft applications and services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to affected systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0874 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for achieving remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vulnerability enables threat actors to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration directly from compromised systems. The affected versions span multiple Windows releases, creating a broad attack surface that includes enterprise environments, government systems, and consumer devices. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be weaponized through drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for automated exploitation campaigns, and its presence in widely used operating system versions means that even basic web browsing activities can expose systems to attack. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack vectors, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0874 should focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Microsoft has released security updates that address this vulnerability through the Windows Update mechanism, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls, content filtering solutions, and browser hardening measures to reduce the risk of exploitation. The implementation of exploit prevention technologies including control flow integrity protections, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns or memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability and its potential for remote code execution, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all systems running affected Windows versions and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with ATT&CK's T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation, making comprehensive mitigation essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.