CVE-2023-36022 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2023
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2025
Microsoft Edge Chromium-based browser contains a remote code execution vulnerability that stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering processes. This flaw exists in the browser's JavaScript engine where insufficient validation occurs when processing certain object types during garbage collection cycles. The vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious web content that can trigger memory corruption conditions when the browser attempts to clean up unused objects. When exploited, this issue enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the Edge process, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The flaw specifically manifests when the browser processes complex JavaScript objects with circular references that are subject to rapid allocation and deallocation patterns during page rendering. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through crafted web pages delivered via phishing campaigns or compromised websites, requiring no user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Edge versions prior to the security update released in August 2023, with the exploitation occurring in the browser's v8 JavaScript engine component that handles object memory management. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a critical threat vector that can be exploited to establish persistent access to target systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Edge's widespread adoption across enterprise environments and its integration with Windows operating systems. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be triggered through specific combinations of JavaScript object creation and deletion operations that cause memory layout corruption. The exploitation process typically involves crafting JavaScript code that forces the browser into a state where it attempts to free memory that has already been deallocated or is in an inconsistent state. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1566 for spearphishing with attachments, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on targeted systems. The remote code execution capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations, as it can lead to complete system compromise without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond web browsing. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through memory management improvements in their v8 engine and enhanced validation routines for object cleanup operations. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches immediately, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The threat landscape indicates that this vulnerability is being actively targeted by threat actors seeking to leverage the widespread use of Microsoft Edge in enterprise environments. Security teams should implement network monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and consider implementing browser security policies that restrict access to untrusted websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security and the challenges of preventing memory corruption issues in highly optimized JavaScript engines. This case highlights the importance of continuous security assessments and the need for robust memory management practices in browser implementations. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities underscores the critical relationship between browser security and overall enterprise security posture, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with persistent access to sensitive corporate networks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and configuring secure browsing policies to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing arms race between browser security improvements and attacker techniques, emphasizing the need for proactive threat hunting and vulnerability management programs.