CVE-2018-0953 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0945, CVE-2018-0946, CVE-2018-0951, CVE-2018-0954, CVE-2018-0955, CVE-2018-1022, CVE-2018-8114, CVE-2018-8122, CVE-2018-8128, CVE-2018-8137, CVE-2018-8139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2025
The scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0953 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Edge's ChakraCore JavaScript engine. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue specifically affects Microsoft Edge browsers and the ChakraCore engine that powers various Microsoft applications, making it a widespread concern across the Windows ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the scripting engine fails to properly validate or manage memory references to objects during JavaScript execution. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or scripts that trigger memory corruption conditions, leading to unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the Edge process. This memory corruption typically manifests through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management flaws that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and redirect execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common precursors to memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0953 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can bypass security controls, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent access to target systems. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that victims need only visit a malicious website or interact with compromised web content to be affected. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries can deliver malicious payloads through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it in the T1059.007 technique category, which covers script-based execution through web browsers, making it a preferred vector for initial access and lateral movement in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0953 require immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of Edge and ChakraCore implementations. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block malicious content. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can reduce exploitation success rates. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious browser activity, memory corruption patterns, and unauthorized code execution attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploit kits and drive-by download attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent memory corruption exploits.