CVE-2018-8286 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Chakra scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka "Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8280, CVE-2018-8290, CVE-2018-8294.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8286 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine powering the browser's execution environment. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the Chakra engine processes objects in memory, creating conditions that allow attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists at the core level of how JavaScript objects are allocated, managed, and accessed within the browser's memory space, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the trusted execution environment of the web browser itself.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues, which are classified as CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This particular flaw exploits improper handling of object references and memory management within Chakra's JavaScript engine implementation, allowing attackers to craft malicious web content that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the intersection of JavaScript interpretation and native memory management, where the scripting engine's object model interacts directly with system memory. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing specific JavaScript code that, when executed by Edge, causes the engine to corrupt memory in predictable ways that can be exploited to gain control over the browser process.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8286 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the Edge process. This represents a significant elevation of privilege attack vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects not only Microsoft Edge but also ChakraCore, which is Microsoft's open-source JavaScript engine used in various applications beyond the browser, amplifying the potential attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as the initial compromise often leads to further system exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch management with Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw was addressed through memory safety improvements in the Chakra engine's object handling routines. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, employing content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and browser isolation solutions can provide additional defense layers, while endpoint detection and response systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered security controls to protect against zero-day exploitation attempts.