CVE-2018-0893 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in 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-2018-0876, CVE-2018-0889, CVE-2018-0925, and CVE-2018-0935.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
The scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0893 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge browser versions shipped with Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability resides within the JavaScript scripting engine that powers Microsoft Edge's web rendering capabilities, specifically affecting how the engine manages objects in memory during script execution. The flaw manifests when the scripting engine fails to properly validate or handle certain memory operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption patterns that can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems. This vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's execution environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages memory corruption principles that align with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers can craft malicious web content that when rendered by Microsoft Edge triggers improper memory handling within the scripting engine, causing buffer overflows or memory corruption that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability specifically impacts the engine's object management system where it fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object creation, modification, or destruction phases. This memory corruption can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious web pages, compromised websites, or phishing campaigns that deliver crafted JavaScript code designed to trigger the specific memory handling flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0893 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems and potentially escalate privileges to system level access. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016, creating a broad attack surface that includes enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is commonly used as the default browser. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within network environments. The exploitation requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 face significant risk of compromise, especially in environments where users frequently access untrusted websites or where security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0893 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the scripting engine memory corruption issue. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using browser isolation techniques to limit potential exploitation. Network defenders should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1068 for exploit development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and network monitoring capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privilege separation controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other software components.