CVE-2018-8367 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-2018-8465, CVE-2018-8466, CVE-2018-8467.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8367 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 malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code remotely. The Chakra engine is responsible for interpreting and executing JavaScript code within Microsoft Edge, making this flaw particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the browser's core functionality and security boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra scripting engine's object handling mechanisms. When the engine encounters certain JavaScript objects or operations, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries or object references, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited through crafted malicious web content. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and more specifically relates to memory corruption issues that enable remote code execution. The flaw exists in how the engine manages object lifecycles and memory allocation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and overwrite critical data or executable code segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8367 extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution on vulnerable systems. This capability allows threat actors to bypass traditional security controls, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or 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 and services beyond the browser. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or phishing campaigns that deliver specially crafted JavaScript payloads designed to trigger the memory corruption condition. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly attractive to cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to conduct large-scale attacks without requiring physical access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8367 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Microsoft released security updates that patched the vulnerability by correcting memory management routines within the Chakra engine and implementing additional bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, as the vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during its disclosure period. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser hardening configurations, enabling security features like sandboxing and memory protection, and deploying network-based security controls such as web application firewalls to filter malicious JavaScript content. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," highlighting the importance of monitoring and controlling JavaScript execution within browser environments. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral analysis tools that can detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the memory corruption nature of this vulnerability can be difficult to detect through traditional signature-based approaches.