CVE-2018-8618 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-2018-8617, CVE-2018-8624, CVE-2018-8629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8618 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 vulnerability specifically manifests when the Chakra engine processes objects in memory, creating opportunities for remote code execution attacks that could compromise the entire browser environment. The issue affects not only Microsoft Edge but also ChakraCore, which is the standalone version of the Chakra engine used in various applications and platforms, making the impact significantly broader than initially apparent.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Chakra engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflows or arbitrary memory corruption. This memory corruption can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code designed to trigger the vulnerable code path. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate memory locations that should remain protected, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised browser process. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover through the browser's attack surface. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the victim's system. The remote nature of the exploit means that users need only visit a malicious website to be compromised, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The fact that this affects both Microsoft Edge and ChakraCore means that organizations using applications built on this engine are also at risk, potentially affecting productivity applications, development tools, and other software that relies on the Chakra engine for scripting capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8618 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability through regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JavaScript behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping browser engines updated, as these components represent one of the most frequently targeted attack vectors in enterprise environments, particularly given their broad exposure to external threats and the high privileges they operate with.