CVE-2020-1037 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 (HTML-based), aka 'Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2020
The CVE-2020-1037 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's Chakra scripting engine, specifically affecting HTML-based components. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory during script execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The Chakra engine serves as the JavaScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge's web browsing capabilities, making this flaw 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 vulnerability stems from memory corruption issues that occur when the Chakra scripting engine processes certain objects in memory. When malicious JavaScript code is executed through a web page, the engine fails to properly validate or manage memory allocations for specific object types, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting malicious JavaScript payloads that trigger the memory corruption through specific object manipulation patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1037 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for JavaScript execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to compromised systems, deploy additional malware, or escalate privileges within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the security updates released in March 2020, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not applied the necessary patches. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target users without requiring physical access to the system, and the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments where users regularly browse the internet.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1037 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security updates and patches released in the March 2020 security bulletin. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates to protect their systems from exploitation. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can further reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JavaScript execution patterns and unusual memory allocation behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all browser components updated and following secure configuration practices as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and guidelines from organizations such as NIST and the CWE community.