CVE-2018-8128 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore. 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-2018-8114, CVE-2018-8122, CVE-2018-8137, CVE-2018-8139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The scripting engine memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Edge represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper handling of objects in memory. This vulnerability specifically affects the ChakraCore JavaScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge's rendering capabilities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user systems. The flaw exists in how the engine manages memory allocation and object handling during script execution, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue indicates that attackers can potentially overwrite memory locations or manipulate object references to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
This remote code execution vulnerability operates through a sophisticated memory manipulation attack vector that leverages the scripting engine's object management mechanisms. When Microsoft Edge processes certain JavaScript code, the ChakraCore engine fails to properly validate memory operations related to object handling, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. The attack typically involves crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path within the JavaScript engine, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Edge process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category for buffer overflow conditions and is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8128 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted browser but also represents a broader threat to the Windows ecosystem, as Microsoft Edge shares underlying components with other Microsoft products that utilize the ChakraCore engine. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect and remediate due to its memory-based nature, requiring careful analysis of memory states and object handling patterns. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through web content, making it a significant threat to users who browse the internet regularly.
Organizations and security teams should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Microsoft released security patches for this vulnerability through regular Windows updates, but organizations must ensure timely deployment of these patches across all affected systems. The recommended mitigation approach includes maintaining up-to-date security software, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and restricting access to potentially malicious websites through content filtering solutions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution through browser exploitation and memory corruption, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that address both network and endpoint protection. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation paths and ensure that their defensive measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques targeting similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.