Microsoft Edge Memory Corruption
CVE-2016-7201 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in Edge from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 28, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Edge you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on docs.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.6 | High | NVD |
Official description
The Chakra JavaScript scripting engine in Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-7200, CVE-2016-7202, CVE-2016-7203, CVE-2016-7208, CVE-2016-7240, CVE-2016-7242, and CVE-2016-7243.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type
The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.
More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/140382/Microsoft-Edge-chakra.dll-Information-Leak-Type-Confusion.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-7201US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/theori-io/chakra-2016-11Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/40784/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exploit-db.com/exploits/40990/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Edge
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
Google Chromium V8 Type Confusion Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
Google Chromium GPU Heap Buffer Overflow Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities
- 10.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Remote Code Execution Exploited
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