CVE-2019-1107
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by exploiting a memory corruption flaw in the Chakra scripting engine in Microsoft Edge. Attackers can compromise user systems by tricking victims into visiting specially crafted malicious websites. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft Edge
📦 What is this software?
Chakracore by Microsoft
Edge by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to install programs, view/change/delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.
Likely Case
Browser compromise leading to data theft, credential harvesting, or installation of malware on the victim's system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper browser sandboxing and security controls, potentially containing the exploit to the browser process.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (visiting malicious website) but no authentication. Memory corruption vulnerabilities in JavaScript engines are frequently exploited in the wild.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microsoft Edge version with July 2019 security updates (KB4507453 for Windows 10 1903, KB4507469 for 1809, etc.)
Vendor Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1107
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Windows Update settings. 2. Click 'Check for updates'. 3. Install all available updates. 4. Restart computer when prompted. 5. Verify Edge is updated to July 2019 or later version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript
windowsPrevents exploitation by disabling JavaScript execution in Edge
edge://settings/content/javascript (toggle to 'Blocked')
Use Enhanced Security Configuration
windowsEnables additional security restrictions in Internet Explorer mode
Control Panel > Internet Options > Security tab > Enable Enhanced Protected Mode
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Migrate to Chromium-based Microsoft Edge which is not affected by this vulnerability
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Edge version: Open Edge > Settings > About Microsoft Edge. If version is from before July 2019, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
msedge --version (in command prompt) or check edge://settings/helpVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Windows Update history contains July 2019 security updates and Edge version shows July 2019 or later build.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Edge crash reports with chakra.dll in stack trace
- Unexpected Edge process termination events
- Security event logs showing suspicious script execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Edge process
- Traffic to known malicious domains hosting exploit code
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND (process_name="msedge.exe" AND event_id="1000" AND module_name="chakra.dll") OR (process_name="msedge.exe" AND parent_process NOT IN ("explorer.exe", "userinit.exe"))