External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Scripting Engine Vulnerability Allows Code Execution

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-30397

A type confusion vulnerability in the Microsoft Scripting Engine allows unauthorized remote code execution. This impacts organizations using affected Windows systems, posing a business risk through potential system and data compromise. The vulnerability is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

2Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

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External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-30397

This Microsoft Scripting Engine vulnerability requires user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link. It is not a public-facing service, making widespread internet exposure unlikely despite the network-based attack vector classification.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A type confusion vulnerability exists in the Microsoft Scripting Engine. This flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network. Organizations utilizing Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer Mode are particularly susceptible. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the execution of arbitrary code, potentially resulting in significant business risk.

  • Vulnerable: Microsoft Scripting Engine
  • Flaw: Incompatible type resource access
  • Impact: Remote code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A type confusion vulnerability in the Microsoft Scripting Engine can allow an attacker to execute code remotely. This occurs when an attacker crafts a special URL that, when accessed by a user, exploits the vulnerability. The attacker can then gain control of the affected system, potentially leading to further compromise of organizational data and systems.

  • A specially crafted URL is exposed.
  • An attacker triggers the vulnerability.
  • Remote code execution is achieved.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A type confusion vulnerability in the Microsoft Scripting Engine could permit an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network. This could lead to the compromise of systems and data. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog lists this CVE, indicating it is actively exploited in the wild.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Unknown
  • Required access or conditions: Network access with user interaction
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A type confusion vulnerability in the Microsoft Scripting Engine presents a risk of unauthorized code execution over a network. This could allow attackers to impact organizational systems and data if exploited. Organizations should prioritize identifying all potentially affected Microsoft Windows assets.

  • Identify all affected Windows assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes, verify implementation, and monitor systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Microsoft Scripting Engine and its role in Windows systems?

The Microsoft Scripting Engine is a critical component within Windows responsible for processing scripting languages such as JavaScript. It is fundamental for rendering dynamic content on web pages, particularly when using Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer mode, and supports other applications that depend on scripting capabilities.

What type of weakness does CVE-2025-30397 represent and how is it exploited?

CVE-2025-30397 is identified as a type confusion vulnerability (CWE-843). This occurs when the scripting engine mishandles data of different types. An attacker can exploit this by tricking the engine into misinterpreting data, which can then lead to the execution of arbitrary code.

How can an attacker trigger CVE-2025-30397, and what is the scope of impact?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by crafting a special URL. When a user accesses this malicious URL, it exploits the type confusion flaw in the Microsoft Scripting Engine. This can result in the attacker gaining control of the affected system, leading to potential further compromise of data and systems.

What is the significance of CVE-2025-30397 being listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog?

The inclusion of CVE-2025-30397 on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog indicates that this vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. This elevates the urgency for organizations to address it. Halo classifies this as an external threat.

What steps should organizations take to respond to this vulnerability?

Organizations should prioritize identifying all potentially affected Microsoft Windows assets. They should then aim to reduce exposure or isolate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Finally, applying vendor-provided fixes, verifying their implementation, and continuously monitoring systems are crucial steps for remediation.

References