CVE-2019-0773 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-2019-0609, CVE-2019-0639, CVE-2019-0680, CVE-2019-0769, CVE-2019-0770, CVE-2019-0771, CVE-2019-0783.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0773 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that enables remote code execution attacks. This issue specifically affects how the JavaScript engine processes and manages objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability exists in the way Edge handles object references and memory allocation during script execution, particularly when dealing with complex object interactions and memory management operations. Security researchers identified that the scripting engine fails to properly validate memory operations when processing certain JavaScript constructs, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption when executed in Microsoft Edge. The exploitation process typically involves manipulating object references in a way that causes the scripting engine to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory segments or inject malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for 'Scripting' and T1203 for 'Exploitation for Client Execution', as it exploits the scripting engine to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0773 is significant given that Microsoft Edge is one of the most widely used web browsers globally, particularly in enterprise environments where users frequently access the internet and web applications. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Edge process, which typically runs with user-level permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it suitable for drive-by download attacks. Organizations using older versions of Windows 10 or systems that have not received the relevant security updates are at heightened risk, as these systems may not contain the mitigations implemented in subsequent patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping browser software updated, as the patch for this issue was released as part of Microsoft's regular security update cycle, addressing the memory management flaws in the scripting engine.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in the Edge scripting engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploits. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious web content that attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated versions of Edge or Windows that may still be vulnerable. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and workflows. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory usage patterns or suspicious JavaScript execution that might indicate exploitation attempts.