CVE-2018-0879 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 1709 allows information disclosure, due to how Edge handles objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Edge Information Disclosure Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0879 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft Edge browser version 1709 running on Windows 10 operating systems. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract sensitive information from the browser's memory space. The issue manifests when Edge processes certain web content that triggers memory management errors, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to information disclosure, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where browser security is paramount.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how Microsoft Edge manages memory objects during web page rendering and script execution. When processing specific web content, the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize memory references, leading to situations where adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data may be accessed or exposed. This memory handling flaw can be exploited through crafted web pages that manipulate the browser's object allocation and deallocation processes, potentially revealing information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper memory management practices that allow for information leakage through memory access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0879 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about running processes, memory structures, or even extract user session data that could facilitate further exploitation. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 version 1709, which was part of the Fall Creators Update, indicating that organizations running this specific version of the operating system were at risk. This information disclosure could be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where Edge browser is used for accessing sensitive corporate data, as it may reveal internal system information that could be used to craft more targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0879 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as soon as they become available. Organizations should prioritize updating their Windows 10 systems to versions that contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts can provide early warning capabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting memory access permissions, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and reconnaissance through memory dumping operations.
Organizations should also consider implementing layered security approaches that include web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in browser applications and highlights the need for continuous security testing of web rendering engines. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar memory handling issues that may exist in other browser components or applications. Security teams should monitor for any related vulnerabilities that may be discovered in Microsoft Edge's memory management systems and ensure that their incident response procedures include protocols for handling information disclosure incidents. The remediation process should also include user education about the importance of keeping systems updated and avoiding untrusted web content that could potentially exploit such vulnerabilities.