CVE-2018-8625 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-8625 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows VBScript engine that specifically impacts legacy Internet Explorer browsers including versions 9, 10, and 11. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of objects in memory during VBScript execution, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists at the core of how the scripting engine manages memory allocation and object references, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues within the VBScript engine's object management system where improper memory handling allows attackers to manipulate object references and execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector leverages the browser's scripting capabilities to trigger memory corruption through carefully crafted VBScript code that exploits the engine's failure to properly validate object references during execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8625 is severe given that Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11 were widely deployed across enterprise environments and were often used as default browsers for legacy applications. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain full system compromise, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially escalate privileges to system level access. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through web browsers without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059.005, this vulnerability enables adversary behavior through Windows Command Shell execution capabilities, while T1203 covers the exploitation of this vulnerability through web-based attack methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft's security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the memory handling within the VBScript engine to properly validate object references and prevent memory corruption. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and browser isolation techniques to limit the attack surface, while disabling VBScript execution in Internet Explorer where possible. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious browser activity and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating away from legacy Internet Explorer versions to modern browser alternatives that have better security track records and more frequent security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running outdated browser software in enterprise environments.