CVE-2018-8111 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft Edge improperly accesses objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8110, CVE-2018-8236.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8111 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge browser that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This issue arises from improper handling of memory objects during browser operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's memory management mechanisms, exploiting weaknesses in how Edge processes and manages memory allocations during web page rendering and script execution. Security researchers have classified this as a remote code execution vulnerability because it can be exploited through malicious web content without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical root cause of CVE-2018-8111 stems from Microsoft Edge's insufficient validation of memory object references during web page processing. When the browser encounters certain web content, it fails to properly verify memory boundaries and object references, leading to potential buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. This memory corruption occurs within the browser's rendering engine where JavaScript and other web technologies interact with underlying memory structures. The vulnerability manifests when Edge attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or improperly allocated, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute malicious code. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, both of which are common categories for memory corruption flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, CVE-2018-8111 presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is the primary browser or when users are exposed to untrusted web content. The vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or compromised web applications that craft specifically designed payloads to trigger the memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full system control, potentially leading to data theft, persistence mechanisms, or lateral movement within network environments. The remote nature of the exploit means that organizations cannot rely solely on network segmentation or user education to prevent successful attacks, as the vulnerability can be triggered automatically when users visit compromised websites. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation typically results in elevated privileges and command execution capabilities.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-8111 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying Microsoft's security patches and updates released in August 2018. Browser isolation solutions and network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to malicious web traffic and implement browser hardening configurations that restrict memory access patterns. Regular security assessments of browser configurations and user access controls are essential to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Microsoft Edge installations, as the flaw exists in multiple versions of the browser and affects users running various Windows operating systems. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated.