CVE-2018-8617 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-2018-8583, CVE-2018-8618, CVE-2018-8624, CVE-2018-8629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-8617 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine powering the browser's execution environment. This flaw exists in how the engine manages object allocation and memory handling during script execution, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to exploit memory management inconsistencies. The vulnerability specifically targets the Chakra engine's object handling mechanisms, where improper memory management can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory management protocols within the Chakra engine's object model implementation. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, allowing attackers to manipulate object layouts in ways that can overwrite critical memory regions. This memory corruption occurs during normal script execution, making the attack surface particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities. The flaw operates at a low-level memory management interface where JavaScript objects interact with the underlying system memory, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious scripts that exploit these inconsistencies.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise and individual users alike, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack vector typically involves hosting malicious JavaScript code on a compromised website that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, triggers the memory corruption exploit. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Edge process. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious sites or where phishing attacks are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8617 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in the August 2018 security bulletin. Organizations should also implement network-level 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 and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.