CVE-2018-8283 in ChakraCore
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the ChakraCore scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects ChakraCore. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8242, CVE-2018-8287, CVE-2018-8288, CVE-2018-8291, CVE-2018-8296, CVE-2018-8298.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8283 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine, which serves as the core scripting component for various Microsoft applications including Edge browser and Node.js environments. This memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects within the engine's memory management system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue specifically manifests when the ChakraCore engine processes certain object operations that lead to unpredictable memory states, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and overwrite critical program execution flows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that triggers memory corruption during object manipulation within the ChakraCore engine. When legitimate JavaScript code interacts with objects in ways that exceed expected memory boundaries or violate internal engine constraints, the memory corruption can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and object-oriented programming within the JavaScript engine, where improper memory allocation, deallocation, or access patterns create opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8283 extends across multiple Microsoft platforms and applications that utilize ChakraCore, including but not limited to Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft Node.js runtime, and various Windows applications that incorporate the JavaScript engine. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely through malicious websites, email attachments, or other vectorized delivery mechanisms that execute malicious JavaScript code within the targeted environment. The remote code execution capability allows threat actors to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Edge browser usage is prevalent or when Node.js applications process untrusted JavaScript input, creating a significant attack surface for sophisticated threat actors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft's security patches and updates, disabling unnecessary JavaScript execution capabilities where possible, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions related to JavaScript execution within the ChakraCore engine, making defensive measures such as sandboxing and strict content security policies effective in reducing risk exposure. Security teams should also consider monitoring for anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and implementing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing ChakraCore components and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent exploitation attempts.