CVE-2019-1107 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-2019-1062, CVE-2019-1092, CVE-2019-1103, CVE-2019-1106.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1107 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 allocation and memory handling during JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Chakra engine serves as the core JavaScript engine for Microsoft Edge and is also utilized in various Microsoft applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread impact.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Chakra engine's object handling mechanisms. When processing certain JavaScript objects, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries and object references, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious scripts. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety and scripting engine design, where the engine's assumptions about object lifetime and memory layout are violated, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability manifests during normal JavaScript execution when specific object manipulation patterns trigger the memory corruption condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Microsoft Edge for web browsing and application execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious websites that contain crafted JavaScript code, which when executed in Edge browser triggers the memory corruption and allows for remote code execution. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for phishing campaigns and drive-by attacks. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially compromise entire enterprise networks through successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1107 should prioritize immediate patch application from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including enabling security features like Site Isolation, disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, and implementing content security policies to limit the attack surface. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement proper incident response procedures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, representing memory safety violations that are commonly exploited in browser-based attacks. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting its role in malicious code delivery and execution within targeted environments.