CVE-2019-1002 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-2019-0992, CVE-2019-0993, 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-2019-1002 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets how the engine manages object memory allocation and deallocation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Chakra engine serves as the JavaScript engine powering Microsoft Edge's web browser, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious JavaScript code that triggers improper memory handling within the Chakra engine, potentially causing buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves manipulating object references in ways that cause the engine to access invalid memory locations or execute code from controlled memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the JavaScript engine as a vector for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it affects the entire Microsoft Edge ecosystem and potentially impacts other applications that utilize the Chakra engine for scripting capabilities. Organizations running Microsoft Edge as their primary browser face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or compromised web applications. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where web browsing is a common activity. System compromise can lead to data theft, persistent backdoors, and lateral movement within networks, as attackers can establish footholds and escalate privileges through the executed malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1002 should include immediate application of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues within the Chakra engine. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary scripting features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-based protections like web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious JavaScript payloads targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for users to avoid visiting untrusted websites and downloading suspicious content remains crucial, as social engineering remains a common initial attack vector for exploiting such browser-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping browser engines updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated exploitation techniques targeting core application components.