CVE-2018-0987 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists when the scripting engine does not properly handle objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0981, CVE-2018-0989, CVE-2018-1000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The scripting engine information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0987 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's handling of memory objects. This vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript scripting engine component that processes and manages objects within memory space, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information exposure. The flaw manifests when the engine fails to properly manage object references and memory allocation during script execution, leading to situations where sensitive data may be inadvertently exposed to malicious actors. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer including Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, and Internet Explorer 11, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these browser versions across enterprise environments. This issue falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a specific instance of improper handling of memory objects that could lead to data leakage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the scripting engine's failure to properly clean up or manage object references in memory during the execution lifecycle of JavaScript code. When Internet Explorer processes certain JavaScript constructs, particularly those involving object manipulation and memory management, the engine does not adequately handle the disposal of memory objects that contain sensitive information. This improper memory management can result in residual data remaining accessible in memory locations that should have been cleared or deallocated. The vulnerability typically occurs during the garbage collection process or when objects transition between different states within the scripting engine's memory management system. Attackers can potentially exploit this weakness by crafting specific JavaScript payloads that force the browser into states where memory contents are exposed through various information disclosure mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0987 extends beyond simple information leakage, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to extract sensitive data that might include session tokens, user credentials, personal information, or other confidential data stored in memory. This exposure creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, session hijacking, and broader exploitation attempts within compromised environments. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Internet Explorer versions means that organizations with legacy systems or those unable to immediately upgrade their browser infrastructure face sustained risk exposure. Security analysts note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Scripting" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when combined with other attack vectors. The potential for this vulnerability to be leveraged in conjunction with social engineering or other exploit techniques makes it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0987 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released specific fixes addressing the scripting engine's memory management flaws. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing content security policies, and deploying enhanced monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns. Network security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Internet Explorer versions and prioritize remediation efforts. The implementation of sandboxing technologies and browser isolation solutions can provide additional protective layers. Organizations should also consider transitioning away from Internet Explorer to modern browser alternatives that have better security track records and more frequent security updates. Regular security awareness training for users about avoiding suspicious web content and phishing attempts remains essential, as this vulnerability could be exploited through malicious websites or compromised web applications.