CVE-2018-1023 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft browsers access objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Browser Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1023 represents a critical memory corruption flaw that specifically targets Microsoft browsers including Edge and the ChakraCore JavaScript engine. This issue stems from improper handling of object references within memory management systems, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability affects the underlying memory access mechanisms that govern how browser components interact with allocated memory segments during JavaScript execution and object manipulation. Security researchers have classified this as a remote code execution vulnerability due to its ability to allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Microsoft browsers process certain JavaScript objects that trigger memory corruption conditions. Attackers can craft malicious web content that forces the browser to improperly handle object references, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This flaw typically manifests when the JavaScript engine attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or improperly allocated, creating a condition where attackers can manipulate memory layout and redirect execution flow. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ChakraCore engine's memory management algorithms and how Edge handles JavaScript object lifecycle management, making it particularly dangerous in modern browser environments where JavaScript execution is pervasive. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" which directly relate to improper memory access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1023 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or conduct advanced persistent threats against targeted users. The remote nature of exploitation means that users need only visit a compromised website or receive malicious content through email to be vulnerable, making this attack vector particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. Organizations running affected versions of Microsoft Edge or applications utilizing ChakraCore are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack surfaces including web browsing, email clients, and even document viewers that embed browser components. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core JavaScript engine that powers modern web applications, potentially compromising not just individual browsers but entire application ecosystems that depend on JavaScript execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1023 require immediate patch deployment and comprehensive security monitoring. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory corruption issues in both Edge and ChakraCore, with the recommended approach being prompt installation of the latest security patches. Organizations should implement network segmentation and web filtering to limit exposure to potentially malicious content, while also monitoring for indicators of compromise related to browser exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected browser versions and establish automated patch management processes. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser hardening configurations, enabling sandboxing features, and deploying application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" which emphasize the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and threat hunting capabilities to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to help users recognize potentially malicious web content and reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering tactics.