Microsoft Edge Browser Helper Object memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Microsoft Edge. It has been rated as critical. This affects an unknown part of the component Browser Helper Object. Performing a manipulation results in memory corruption. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2020-16884. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. No exploit is available. Applying a patch is the recommended action to fix this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Edge (Web Browser) (version unknown). This affects an unknown function of the component Browser Helper Object. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the IEToEdge Browser Helper Object (BHO) plugin on Internet Explorer handles objects in memory. The vulnerability could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user.</p> <p>In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying how the IEToEdge BHO plug-in handles objects in memory.</p>

The weakness was published 09/08/2020 as confirmed security update guide (Website). The advisory is shared at portal.msrc.microsoft.com. The public release has been coordinated with Microsoft. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2020-16884. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. It demands that the victim is doing some kind of user interaction. Neither technical details nor an exploit are publicly available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 02/24/2026). The advisory points out:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the IEToEdge Browser Helper Object (BHO) plugin on Internet Explorer handles objects in memory. The vulnerability could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.

Productinfo

Type

• Web Browser

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Edge

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/

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If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.

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