CVE-2019-0655 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-2019-0605, CVE-2019-0607, CVE-2019-0610, CVE-2019-0640, CVE-2019-0642, CVE-2019-0644, CVE-2019-0651, CVE-2019-0652.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0655 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine, specifically targeting memory handling operations. This issue affects the JavaScript engine that powers web browser functionality and enables the execution of malicious code through crafted web content. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management when processing objects in the browser's scripting environment, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser's security boundaries, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the scripting engine manages memory allocation and object references within the browser's JavaScript runtime environment. When processing certain web content containing maliciously crafted scripts, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object manipulation operations. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of JavaScript code and can be exploited through carefully constructed web pages that trigger specific memory access patterns. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the scripting engine accesses memory locations beyond the intended object boundaries. This type of memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including crashes, data corruption, or most critically, the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Microsoft Edge as their primary web browser. Attackers can leverage this flaw through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or spear-phishing campaigns targeting unsuspecting users. The exploit requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond individual user devices to include potential corporate data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on affected systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. The remediation process involves installing the latest cumulative updates for Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge, which include fixes for the memory handling routines within the scripting engine. Additionally, security teams should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script execution and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring of browser-based execution patterns and network traffic anomalies. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability.