CVE-2019-0992 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the Chakra scripting engine handles objects in memory in Microsoft Edge, aka 'Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0989, CVE-2019-0991, CVE-2019-0993, CVE-2019-1002, CVE-2019-1003, CVE-2019-1024, CVE-2019-1051, CVE-2019-1052.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0992 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine that enables remote code execution. This flaw exists in the manner in which the engine manages object handling in memory, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the Chakra engine's memory management routines, which are responsible for allocating, organizing, and deallocating memory objects during JavaScript execution. When processing certain objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw manifests when the Chakra engine encounters specific JavaScript code patterns that cause improper memory handling during object manipulation. Attackers can craft malicious web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption when loaded in Microsoft Edge. This memory corruption can result in overwriting critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised browser process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the scripting engine level, meaning that successful exploitation does not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0992 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to establish persistent access to target systems. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007, adversaries can leverage such scripting engine vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the patched releases, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not yet deployed the security updates. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can install malware, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Edge browser usage is prevalent and may be used to pivot attacks to other systems within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0992 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block known malicious content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary scripting features and implementing strict security policies can reduce exploitation risk. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Microsoft Edge installations, as this flaw represents a known attack vector that has been addressed through Microsoft's regular security updates. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns and memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems.