Remote code execution in Microsoft VBScript engine

1) Memory corruption

EUVDB-ID: #VU12077

Risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8174

CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the VBScript engine. A remote attacker can trick the victim into visiting a specially crafted website or open a malicious Office file and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Note: the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild against victims in Asia region. The vulnerability is dubbed "double play".

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 7 - 10

Windows Live Messenger: 8.1

Windows Server: 2008 R2 - 2016 10.0.14393.10

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:8.1_RT:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:windows_live_messenger:8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server:2016:10.0.14393.10:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://twitter.com/360CoreSec/status/987229032994361345
https://www.eshlomo.us/apt-group-exploited-unpatched-0-day-in-ie/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/internet-explorer-zero-day-exploited-in-the-wild-by-a...
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8174

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.