CVE-2018-8372 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft browsers, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects ChakraCore, Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8353, CVE-2018-8355, CVE-2018-8359, CVE-2018-8371, CVE-2018-8373, CVE-2018-8385, CVE-2018-8389, CVE-2018-8390.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8372 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's scripting engine that affects multiple browser platforms including Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge. This issue stems from how the ChakraCore JavaScript engine manages object references in memory, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the scripting engine's memory management mechanisms, where improper handling of objects can lead to unpredictable memory states that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's execution environment, where the scripting engine fails to properly validate or manage object lifecycles in memory. When malicious web content is processed through the affected browsers, the engine's memory management routines can be manipulated to overwrite critical memory locations or execute unintended code sequences. The flaw manifests when the JavaScript engine encounters specific object manipulation patterns that cause memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8372 extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged for full system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable browsers, trigger the memory corruption exploit and subsequently execute malicious payloads. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use browser-based scripting to execute malicious code. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products and platforms, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across different browser environments and operating system versions. Security researchers have noted that the exploit requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective for drive-by attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8372 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory corruption issue in the ChakraCore engine, requiring users to install the latest security patches for Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge. Organizations should implement browser isolation techniques and consider deploying security solutions that can detect and block malicious JavaScript behavior. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious memory access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all browser components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent memory corruption issues in JavaScript engines. Given the nature of the vulnerability, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surface exposure.