CVE-2018-0994 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Chakra scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0979, CVE-2018-0980, CVE-2018-0990, CVE-2018-0993, CVE-2018-0995, CVE-2018-1019.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0994 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine that enables remote code execution. This issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory during JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Chakra engine serves as the core JavaScript engine for Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore, making this vulnerability particularly significant as it impacts both the browser and the standalone engine used in various applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the engine processes certain object operations that lead to memory corruption, allowing malicious actors to exploit these memory handling flaws through crafted web content.
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 write operations. These classifications indicate that the flaw involves improper bounds checking during memory operations, where the Chakra engine fails to properly validate object boundaries when manipulating memory structures. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and scripting engine execution, where legitimate JavaScript code can trigger memory corruption through subtle manipulation of object references. Attackers can leverage this by crafting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, cause the Chakra engine to execute code that corrupts memory layout and subsequently allows arbitrary code execution. The attack vector typically involves web-based exploitation through malicious websites or email attachments containing crafted JavaScript code.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0994 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft Edge versions and ChakraCore implementations, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these technologies. The remote nature of the exploit means that users need only visit a malicious website or open a compromised email attachment to be at risk, without requiring any additional user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its ability to bypass modern security mitigations, including address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms, making it a preferred target for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploit campaigns. Organizations with outdated Edge browsers or applications using ChakraCore are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists in the core execution engine rather than specific application components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0994 should focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security enhancements. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability in their regular monthly patches, and organizations should prioritize applying these updates across all affected systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict web content filtering, enabling sandboxing mechanisms within the browser, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening policies that restrict JavaScript execution capabilities and monitor for unusual memory access patterns. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution technique emphasizes the importance of network segmentation and endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Edge or ChakraCore, as the vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user interaction, making proactive identification and remediation critical for maintaining security posture.