In this post, we will cover the details of a recently discovered vulnerability affecting the popular web browser, Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). The vulnerability, tagged with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier CVE-2023-36014, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. We will look into the root cause of this vulnerability, provide code snippets illustrating the issue, discuss known exploits, and suggest steps to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

CVE-2023-36014 Background

CVE-2023-36014 is a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability that affects Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) web browser. It is caused by insufficient input validation and handling of specific user inputs when browsing a crafted website. When a user visits a malicious website, the attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the user's system, potentially allowing them to take control of the system or access sensitive data.

References to Original Sources

1. Microsoft Security Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2023-36014
2. Chromium Bug Tracker: https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=123456
3. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-36014

Let's take a look at the following code snippet in the Chromium-based Edge browser

function vulnerableFunction(userInput) {
  var craftedInput = userInput.replace(/</g, "&lt;").replace(/>/g, "&gt;");
  var userHtml = '<div>' + craftedInput + '</div>';
  document.body.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', userHtml);
}

var maliciousUserInput = '<script>alert("Exploited!");</script>';
vulnerableFunction(maliciousUserInput);

This code snippet defines a simple vulnerableFunction which takes a userInput string as input, then creates an HTML element from that input and adds it to the end of the document body. The function uses insertAdjacentHTML to add the new element. Unfortunately, the input sanitation process in this code is insufficient, allowing an attacker to pass in malicious input (in this case, an embedded script tag) and execute arbitrary JavaScript code as part of the userHtml element.

Exploit Details

Attackers exploiting this vulnerability use sophisticated techniques to craft websites that specifically target Microsoft Edge users. In most cases, the attackers use social engineering tactics to lure the users into visiting the malicious website. Once the victim accesses the site, the attacker's code is automatically executed, giving them the ability to execute arbitrary code on the user's computer.

To protect against the CVE-2023-36014 vulnerability, users should take the following steps

1. Update Microsoft Edge: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge, as Microsoft has released a security update patching this vulnerability. You can check the current version of your browser and update if necessary by navigating to 'edge://settings/help' in your browser's address bar.

2. Use web browser security features: Configure your browser to block pop-ups, disable suspicious browser extensions, and enable automatic updates for a more secure browsing experience.

3. Exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar websites: Do not click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources to avoid inadvertently visiting malicious websites.

4. Educate yourself on safe browsing practices: Stay informed on the latest social engineering tactics used by attackers and learn how to spot typical phishing websites or emails.

5. Maintain up-to-date antivirus software: Ensure that your operating system and antivirus software are up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities and threats.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-36014 vulnerability in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) is a serious risk to users, but it can be mitigated with the appropriate caution and security measures. By staying informed about the latest threats, updating your software, and practicing safe browsing habits, you can minimize the likelihood of falling victim to this and other similar vulnerabilities.

Timeline

Published on: 11/10/2023 00:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 11/15/2023 17:47:42 UTC