CVE-2018-8377 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Microsoft Edge improperly accesses objects in memory, aka "Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Edge. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8387.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8377 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge browser that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory during browser operations, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts Microsoft Edge versions that are vulnerable to memory management errors, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are prevalent.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates through a classic heap-based buffer overflow mechanism where Edge fails to properly validate memory access when processing certain web content. The technical implementation involves the browser's JavaScript engine incorrectly managing object references and memory allocation patterns, leading to situations where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory regions. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in memory management systems that allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions including the presence of malicious web content and user interaction with compromised sites, making it a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access through web browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8377 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Once executed, malicious code can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially spread laterally within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where Edge is widely deployed. Organizations using Microsoft Edge as their primary browser face significant risk exposure, especially in environments where users may encounter malicious websites or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability affects all supported versions of Microsoft Edge, creating a broad attack surface that requires immediate attention from security teams and IT administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8377 must include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory management flaws in Edge's JavaScript engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including enabling sandboxing features, restricting browser privileges, and implementing content security policies to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and DNS-level filtering can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability, as user interaction remains a critical component for successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date patch management procedures and to conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues in their browser environments.