CVE-2019-0590 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka 'Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0591, CVE-2019-0593, CVE-2019-0605, CVE-2019-0607, CVE-2019-0610, CVE-2019-0640, CVE-2019-0642, CVE-2019-0644, CVE-2019-0651, CVE-2019-0652, CVE-2019-0655.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0590 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that enables remote code execution attacks. This flaw specifically affects how the engine manages objects in memory during script processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability resides in the JavaScript engine component of Microsoft Edge, which is responsible for interpreting and executing web scripts, making it a prime target for exploitation in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption, specifically manifesting as an issue with improper handling of objects in memory. When Microsoft Edge processes certain JavaScript code containing malformed objects or improper memory references, the scripting engine fails to properly validate memory operations, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web pages loaded in the browser, making it exploitable via standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0590 is significant as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities on vulnerable systems. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, trigger the memory corruption flaw and subsequently execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Edge and Windows operating systems, making it particularly widespread and dangerous in enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are common.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the scripting engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploits. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious web traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can create exploitable conditions. This vulnerability also maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, demonstrating how memory corruption flaws can be leveraged for initial access and privilege escalation within target environments.