CVE-2019-1298 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-2019-1138, CVE-2019-1217, CVE-2019-1237, CVE-2019-1300.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1298 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine responsible for executing web content. This flaw exists in how the engine manages object allocation and memory operations during script execution, creating a pathway for remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts Microsoft Edge browsers running on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, making it particularly concerning given Edge's widespread use in enterprise and consumer environments. The Chakra engine's memory management mechanisms, which are designed to optimize JavaScript performance through techniques like object pooling and garbage collection, become vulnerable when handling certain object interactions that lead to improper memory handling.
This memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper validation of object states during JavaScript execution, allowing attackers to craft malicious web pages that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the Chakra engine's memory management subsystem. The flaw manifests when the engine processes specific JavaScript objects that, under normal circumstances, would be handled safely, but due to insufficient bounds checking and state validation, can be manipulated to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Attackers can exploit this by hosting malicious content on web servers or delivering compromised websites that, when loaded in Microsoft Edge, cause the browser to execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website is required for exploitation to occur, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute code with the same privileges as the Edge browser process, potentially allowing them to install malware, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access through the compromised browser. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs such as CVE-2019-1138, CVE-2019-1217, CVE-2019-1237, and CVE-2019-1300 demonstrates that this represents a broader class of issues within the Chakra engine's memory management that required multiple patches to address comprehensively. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory management flaws. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any web-based interaction with Microsoft Edge, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who can leverage it for large-scale attacks through compromised websites or malicious advertisements.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through a comprehensive patch release that updated the Chakra scripting engine's memory management routines and implemented additional bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates to protect their systems from exploitation attempts. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers, though these should not be considered replacements for proper patch management. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections from Edge processes and unexpected file modifications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control through scripting, and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Regular security assessments of browser environments and user behavior monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they result in successful compromises.