CVE-2019-0772 in Windows
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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0665, CVE-2019-0666, CVE-2019-0667.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0772 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's VBScript engine implementation on Windows systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the manner in which the engine processes and manages objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring user interaction. The flaw exists in the underlying scripting engine that handles VBScript operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers, email clients, and other applications that utilize VBScript functionality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the VBScript engine's object management system. When the engine processes certain malformed or crafted VBScript objects in memory, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the object references, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting specific VBScript code that triggers the memory handling flaw, allowing attackers to bypass security mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to affected systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0772 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise environments, particularly in organizations that rely heavily on legacy applications or systems that continue to utilize VBScript functionality. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, phishing emails containing embedded VBScript payloads, or compromised web applications that execute VBScript code. The remote execution capability means that adversaries can compromise systems without requiring physical access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited security monitoring capabilities. This vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2016, creating a broad attack surface that spans across different server and client operating systems.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through malicious files and execution through scripting languages. The vulnerability can be exploited as part of a broader attack chain where attackers first gain initial access through phishing or web-based attacks, then leverage the VBScript engine flaw to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft's security patches, disabling VBScript execution in web browsers, and implementing network-based controls to block suspicious VBScript traffic. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly dangerous when combined with other exploitation techniques, as attackers can potentially chain this vulnerability with others to achieve complete system compromise and maintain persistent access to target networks.