CVE-2018-8583 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-2018-8617, CVE-2018-8618, CVE-2018-8624, CVE-2018-8629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-8583 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine responsible for executing web content. This particular vulnerability manifests when the engine improperly handles objects in memory, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Chakra engine is fundamental to Edge's operation and also powers ChakraCore, making this vulnerability impactful across multiple Microsoft platforms and applications.
The technical nature of this memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra scripting engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries or object references, leading to situations where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and potentially remote code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and object-oriented programming concepts within the JavaScript engine's runtime environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise Microsoft Edge users. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through malicious websites or web content that triggers the specific memory corruption scenario within Chakra. The vulnerability's remote execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through scripting languages. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Edge is Microsoft's default browser and is widely used across enterprise and consumer environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8583 should prioritize immediate patch deployment as provided by Microsoft through their regular security updates and monthly patch Tuesday releases. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all Microsoft applications updated, as ChakraCore is used in various Microsoft products beyond Edge. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement comprehensive endpoint detection and response capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and downloading potentially malicious content.