CVE-2019-0605 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-2019-0591, CVE-2019-0593, 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 identified as CVE-2019-0605 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically manifesting as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the manner in which the scripting engine manages objects within memory, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code remotely. The flaw affects Microsoft Edge browsers across multiple Windows operating system versions, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of the browser in enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the JavaScript scripting engine, which is responsible for executing web content in Microsoft Edge. When processing certain web pages or JavaScript code, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries or object references, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious web content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the scripting engine level, meaning that successful exploitation can bypass many traditional security controls and defenses that typically protect against web-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0605 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Edge process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised web applications that deliver specially crafted JavaScript payloads designed to trigger the memory corruption. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that users need only visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted email link to be compromised, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter such content. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, representing both the execution and initial access phases of an attack lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0605 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through the Microsoft Edge update process. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block malicious web content that could exploit this vulnerability. Browser hardening measures including disabling JavaScript for untrusted websites, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns or memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors and ensure that all systems remain protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in other browser components or web technologies.