CVE-2018-8114 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 11. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-0945, CVE-2018-0946, CVE-2018-0951, CVE-2018-0953, CVE-2018-0954, CVE-2018-0955, CVE-2018-1022, CVE-2018-8122, CVE-2018-8128, CVE-2018-8137, CVE-2018-8139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8114 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer 11's scripting engine, specifically manifesting as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized system access. This vulnerability resides in the way the scripting engine manages objects within memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the core functionality of Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine, which is responsible for processing web content and handling dynamic scripting operations that are fundamental to modern web browsing experiences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the scripting engine's object management system, where the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize memory operations when processing certain JavaScript objects. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of specific scripting sequences that manipulate object references and memory allocation patterns, allowing attackers to craft malicious web pages that trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which is a common precursor to memory corruption exploits that can be leveraged for remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this weakness by delivering malicious JavaScript code through compromised websites or email attachments that, when executed in Internet Explorer 11, cause the browser to corrupt memory structures and subsequently execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the current user.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8114 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover through the execution of malicious payloads that can install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers need only entice users to visit malicious websites or open compromised email attachments containing the exploit code, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter such content. The attack surface is broad given that Internet Explorer 11 was widely deployed across corporate networks, and many organizations continued to use this browser despite Microsoft's end of support for the platform, creating a substantial risk landscape. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of scripting languages for execution, and T1203 which covers exploitation for privilege escalation through memory corruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8114 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security patches released in the May 2018 security update cycle. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns associated with this exploit. Browser isolation techniques and the deployment of modern browsers that have better security features and more frequent updates can significantly reduce risk exposure. Additionally, security awareness training for users to recognize suspicious website content and email attachments remains crucial in defending against social engineering components that may be used to deliver exploitation payloads. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with continuing to use unsupported software versions that no longer receive security updates from vendors.