External risk intelligence

Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-0037

A type confusion vulnerability in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer allows remote code execution if a user visits a malicious website. This could compromise systems and business operations.

3Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Edge

11

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-0037

The vulnerability affects web browsers, which are client-side software designed to consume internet content. While browsers are heavily used to access the internet, this specific type confusion issue requires a user to navigate to a crafted web page or interact with malicious content, making it reachable via the internet but not an internet-facing service or appliance in the traditional sense.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers. The flaw allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on a user's system by exploiting a type confusion issue within the browser's rendering engine. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems.

  • Affected browser components
  • Type confusion in code execution
  • Compromise of system integrity

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A type confusion vulnerability in the browser's rendering engine allows for arbitrary code execution when a user encounters specially crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this by creating a malicious website or embedding malicious code in content that a user might access. This could lead to the compromise of the user's system, enabling further malicious actions by the attacker. The attack vector involves specific handling of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) tokens and JavaScript interactions within the browser.

  • Website exposure required.
  • Attacker crafts malicious web content.
  • Triggering code execution and control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The attack involves a crafted sequence of style sheet tokens and JavaScript code. Successful exploitation could lead to the compromise of system data and the execution of malicious commands. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue due to the potential for significant business risk.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Requires user interaction with malicious content.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A type confusion vulnerability in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into visiting a crafted web page. This could lead to the compromise of affected systems and potential business disruption. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and mitigate this risk.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer?

Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are web browsers developed by Microsoft. They are used to access and navigate content on the internet, allowing users to view websites, utilize web applications, and interact with online multimedia.

What type of weakness does CVE-2017-0037 represent?

CVE-2017-0037 is a type confusion vulnerability. This occurs when software incorrectly handles different data types, potentially leading to security risks such as arbitrary code execution.

How can an attacker trigger the vulnerability in CVE-2017-0037?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by directing a user to a specially crafted website or a malicious HTML page. The attack involves a crafted sequence of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) tokens and JavaScript code that operates on a TH element within the browser's rendering engine.

What is the relevance of CVE-2017-0037 according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Security classifies this CVE as 'Possible' due to its impact on web browsers, which are client-side software. While it's reachable via the internet, it requires user interaction with crafted content rather than being an internet-facing service itself.

What actions should be taken to address CVE-2017-0037?

To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to identify affected systems, reduce exposure by isolating risks, and apply necessary patches or updates provided by the vendor. Continuous monitoring and verification of fixes are also crucial.

References