CVE-2019-1307 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-2019-1308, CVE-2019-1335, CVE-2019-1366.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1307 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine that enables remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects how the Chakra engine manages object handling in memory, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The Chakra engine serves as the JavaScript engine for Microsoft Edge and is responsible for interpreting and executing JavaScript code within web pages, making it a prime target for exploitation. The flaw manifests when the engine improperly handles certain memory operations related to object manipulation, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs during the processing of JavaScript objects within the Chakra engine's memory management system. Attackers can craft malicious web content that, when rendered by Microsoft Edge, triggers the flawed memory handling routine. This typically involves manipulating object references or memory allocation patterns that cause the engine to write beyond allocated memory boundaries or corrupt critical memory structures. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes. These weaknesses in memory management provide attackers with the foundation for executing arbitrary code through carefully crafted JavaScript payloads that exploit the engine's improper handling of object lifecycle management.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1307 is severe given that Microsoft Edge represents a widely used web browser with significant market share, particularly in enterprise environments where it serves as the default browser for many organizations. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by convincing users to visit malicious websites or open specially crafted web content. This vulnerability can be exploited in phishing campaigns, drive-by download attacks, or through compromised websites that serve malicious JavaScript payloads. The attack surface extends beyond individual user systems to include corporate networks where Edge is the default browser, potentially enabling lateral movement and persistent access. Organizations using Microsoft Edge for business operations face significant risk, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential escalation to network-wide attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from organizations to deploy Microsoft's security patches and updates. Microsoft released security updates for Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019 that address the Chakra engine memory corruption issue. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems and consider implementing additional security controls such as browser hardening configurations, restricted browsing environments, and network-based protections. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through web browsing, making user education and awareness programs valuable complementary measures. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack impact. Organizations may also consider implementing application control policies that restrict the execution of potentially malicious JavaScript or using sandboxing technologies to isolate browser processes and limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.