CVE-2018-0954 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft browsers, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, ChakraCore, Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer 10. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0945, CVE-2018-0946, CVE-2018-0951, CVE-2018-0953, 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 • 03/11/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's scripting engines that affects multiple browser platforms including Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11, as well as Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore. The issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the scripting engine's memory management mechanisms, where objects are allocated, manipulated, and deallocated during browser operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path when the browser processes scripts, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. 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 writes, both of which are common precursors to memory corruption exploits. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where legacy browsers remain in use, as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it affects multiple browser versions and platforms, creating a broad attack surface. Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11 are particularly at risk due to their widespread adoption in enterprise environments, while the inclusion of ChakraCore indicates the vulnerability extends to server-side script execution contexts as well. The memory corruption occurs during normal script processing operations, making detection difficult and exploitation relatively straightforward for skilled attackers. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059, which covers command and control using scripting languages, and T1203, which involves exploitation for execution through web applications. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full system control, install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks where adversaries seek to compromise user systems through web-based delivery mechanisms.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including deploying Microsoft's security patches and updates as soon as they become available. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting features and implementing strict content security policies can provide additional protection layers. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious script execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected browser versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The remediation process must account for the potential compatibility issues that may arise from patching legacy browser versions, particularly in enterprise environments where older systems may not support newer security updates. Regular security monitoring and incident response procedures should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's nature makes it particularly challenging to defend against using traditional security controls alone. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation technologies and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.