CVE-2018-8452 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists when the scripting engine does not properly handle objects in memory in Microsoft browsers, aka "Scripting Engine Information Disclosure Vulnerability." This affects ChakraCore, Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8452 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft's scripting engine implementations, specifically affecting ChakraCore, Internet Explorer 11, and Microsoft Edge browsers. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory by the scripting engine, creating potential pathways for attackers to extract sensitive information from system memory. The flaw exists at the core level of how these browsers process and manage JavaScript objects, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the fundamental execution environment of web applications. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, where adversaries leverage scripting languages to access system resources and extract confidential data.
The technical mechanism behind this information disclosure involves the scripting engine's failure to properly validate or sanitize object references during memory operations. When the ChakraCore engine processes certain JavaScript objects, it does not adequately protect against memory corruption scenarios that could lead to information leakage. This occurs particularly when handling complex object structures or when memory management operations interact with improperly initialized or freed memory segments. The vulnerability exploits memory layout characteristics and object reference patterns that allow attackers to potentially read data from adjacent memory locations or extract information about internal engine state. This type of vulnerability is classified as a memory safety issue and falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can enable information disclosure attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8452 extends significantly across Microsoft browser ecosystems, affecting users of Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge who may be exposed to information leakage attacks. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive data such as memory addresses, internal engine structures, or even user session information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about the browser's internal state, which could aid in developing more sophisticated exploitation techniques or bypassing security mitigations. Given that these browsers are widely used in enterprise environments, the potential for widespread information disclosure makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security operations perspective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8452 primarily involve applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as released through the Microsoft Security Response Center. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates that address the scripting engine memory handling issues. Additionally, implementing browser hardening measures such as enabling Enhanced Protection Mode in Internet Explorer and utilizing Microsoft Edge's built-in security features can provide additional defense layers. Network monitoring and anomaly detection systems should be configured to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting JavaScript execution in sensitive environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and highlights the critical need for continuous vulnerability assessment and remediation processes in enterprise security programs.