CVE-2018-8390 in Edge
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 Microsoft Edge, ChakraCore. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8353, CVE-2018-8355, CVE-2018-8359, CVE-2018-8371, CVE-2018-8372, CVE-2018-8373, CVE-2018-8385, CVE-2018-8389.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The CVE-2018-8390 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft's ChakraCore JavaScript engine that serves as the foundation for Microsoft Edge browser and various other Microsoft products. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of object memory management during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw specifically manifests when the ChakraCore engine processes certain object types in memory, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the browser environment as ChakraCore is integrated into multiple Microsoft applications and services, amplifying the potential attack surface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through memory corruption techniques that leverage the engine's object handling mechanisms. When malicious scripts are executed, the ChakraCore engine fails to properly validate or manage memory allocations for certain object types, resulting in buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted process. The vulnerability operates at a low level within the JavaScript engine's memory management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common precursors to memory corruption exploits.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Microsoft Edge or applications utilizing ChakraCore. Attackers can leverage this flaw through drive-by download scenarios, where visiting a compromised website automatically triggers the exploit without user consent. The remote code execution capability means that successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Security teams must recognize that this vulnerability operates in accordance with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers JavaScript and VBScript execution, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote services. The vulnerability's existence in both Edge browser and ChakraCore components creates multiple attack vectors, making it essential for organizations to implement comprehensive patch management strategies across all affected Microsoft products.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8390 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vulnerability has been addressed through security updates specifically targeting the ChakraCore memory handling flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation and web filtering solutions to reduce exposure to potentially malicious websites while maintaining awareness of the vulnerability's indicators. Browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict content security policies, can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates continuous vulnerability assessment of all Microsoft products utilizing ChakraCore, with particular attention to the ATT&CK framework's T1211 technique covering exploitation for privilege escalation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should verify that patch deployment has effectively resolved the memory corruption issues within the ChakraCore engine's object handling mechanisms.