CVE-2018-8513 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-2018-8503, CVE-2018-8505, CVE-2018-8510, CVE-2018-8511.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8513 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 certain objects in memory, creating conditions that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue affects not only Microsoft Edge but also ChakraCore, which is Microsoft's open-source JavaScript engine used in various applications beyond the browser. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw indicates that attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the Chakra engine's object management system. When the engine processes specific JavaScript objects, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries or object references, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of memory corruption vulnerability typically occurs when the engine does not adequately check array bounds or object lifetimes before performing memory operations. The flaw creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code that can execute with the privileges of the compromised browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common patterns in memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8513 extends far beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a significant threat vector for advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, trigger the vulnerable code path and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in ChakraCore also means that applications built using this engine, including Node.js applications and various Microsoft products, could be at risk. Organizations running affected systems face potential exposure to sophisticated attack campaigns, particularly those targeting enterprise environments where Edge browsers are commonly used. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that threat actors can launch attacks from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8513 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vendor released patches specifically addressing this vulnerability in their August 2018 security bulletin. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block known malicious web content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as indicators of compromise often manifest as unusual JavaScript execution patterns or memory access anomalies. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution underscores the importance of monitoring for suspicious script activity and implementing behavioral analysis to detect anomalous JavaScript behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and network segmentation to limit the potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, given that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the compromised system.