CVE-2020-17048 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2020
Chakra Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-17054.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2020
The Chakra Scripting Engine memory corruption vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-17048 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft's JavaScript engine that powers various Microsoft products including Internet Explorer, Edge browser, and Windows Script Host. This vulnerability resides in the Chakra engine's handling of JavaScript objects and memory management, specifically affecting how the engine processes certain JavaScript code patterns that lead to improper memory allocation and deallocation. The flaw manifests when the engine encounters specific sequences of JavaScript operations that cause it to write beyond allocated memory boundaries or access invalid memory locations, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory boundary checking within the Chakra engine's JavaScript object management subsystem. When processing malformed or specially crafted JavaScript code, the engine fails to properly validate memory access patterns, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks where malicious JavaScript code is delivered via compromised websites or email attachments, making it highly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-17048 extends across multiple Microsoft products and platforms, creating widespread exposure for organizations that rely on Internet Explorer, Edge browser, or Windows Script Host functionality. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as it can be triggered through drive-by downloads or malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter compromised content. Organizations running older versions of Windows or browsers that have not received the relevant security patches face the highest risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the memory corruption issues within the Chakra engine. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected Microsoft products including Internet Explorer, Edge, and Windows Script Host components. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security restrictions through enhanced security policies, enabling sandboxing mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to filter potentially malicious JavaScript content. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices in JavaScript engines, as documented in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST's Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.