CVE-2019-0591 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-2019-0590, 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-2019-0591 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 object handling in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the browser's JavaScript engine and potentially gain full system control. The vulnerability resides in the complex interaction between the browser's rendering engine and its scripting capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web content without user interaction.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the scripting engine's object handling mechanisms. When Edge processes certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code. 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. The flaw operates at a low level within the browser's architecture, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional security measures.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Microsoft Edge as their primary browser for web-based applications and services. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Edge, trigger the memory corruption and execute malicious payloads without user intervention. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target users from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites or receive malicious emails with embedded web content. The attack surface extends beyond simple web browsing to include any application that utilizes Edge's rendering engine components.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers script-based execution through web browsers, and T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services. Organizations face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities when this vulnerability is exploited. The memory corruption aspect means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, allowing attackers to install malware, steal credentials, or establish persistent backdoors. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their incident response frameworks, as the exploitation can occur silently in the background without user awareness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0591 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as well as implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should also consider browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional network security measures, requiring a layered approach that includes endpoint protection, network monitoring, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts.