Microsoft Edge Chakra JavaScript Engine Remote Code Execution and Memory Corruption Vulnerability (CVE-2016-7200)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTMicrosoft Edge browser and systems utilizing the Chakra JavaScript scripting engine
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted malicious website
Apply the MS16-129 cumulative security update or upgrade Microsoft Edge to the latest secure version
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
The primary remediation is to apply the MS16-129 cumulative security update provided by Microsoft. Use the following PowerShell commands to force the update installation.
# Install PSWindowsUpdate module and apply the specific security update
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force -SkipPublisherCheck
Get-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB3198586 -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, isolate untrusted web browsing sessions by enabling Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG) to run Edge in a containerized environment.
# Enable Windows Defender Application Guard via PowerShell
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Windows-Defender-ApplicationGuard -NoRestart3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the version of chakra.dll on the system to ensure that the security patch has been successfully applied.
# Check the file version of chakra.dll to verify patch status
$Path = '${env:windir}\System32\chakra.dll'
if (Test-Path $Path) {
$Info = (Get-Item $Path).VersionInfo
Write-Output 'Chakra.dll Product Version: ' + $Info.ProductVersion
} else {
Write-Output 'Chakra.dll is not present in the default system directory.'
}Block Kernel Privilege Escalation & Ransomware Payloads Before You Can Reboot
Protect unpatched Windows, Linux, and macOS workloads against in-memory exploitation and lateral movement with autonomous EDR.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2016-7200) is a critical type confusion and memory corruption flaw within the Chakra JavaScript engine (chakra.dll) used by Microsoft Edge. The root cause lies in how the engine handles optimization and type conversion of JavaScript Array objects. Under specific conditions, a mismatch occurs between the actual memory layout of an object and the type assumed by the engine, leading to an Out-of-bounds write (CWE-787).
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted website. The malicious site executes JavaScript that redefines built-in array methods or triggers callbacks that alter array sizes during JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation. This invalidates the engine's type assumptions, allowing the attacker to obtain arbitrary memory read/write primitives. Ultimately, this enables the attacker to hijack the control flow, inject shellcode, and execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As a vulnerability listed in the CISA KEV catalog, CVE-2016-7200 has been actively exploited in the wild. Successful exploitation bypasses browser sandboxes when chained with other flaws, leading to full endpoint compromise. This poses severe risks of initial access vector establishment, lateral movement, data exfiltration, and ransomware deployment across enterprise networks.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
The Chakra JavaScript scripting engine in Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-7201, CVE-2016-7202, CVE-2016-7203, CVE-2016-7208, CVE-2016-7240, CVE-2016-7242, and CVE-2016-7243.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2016-7200)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2016-7200 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2016-7200 is rated CVSS 8.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 82.8%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2016-7200?
Primary impacted vendors include microsoft across edge, chakra. Scope summary: Microsoft Edge and Windows 10 systems running vulnerable versions of the Chakra JavaScript engine prior to MS16-129
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2016-7200 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply the MS16-129 cumulative security update or upgrade Microsoft Edge to the latest secure version Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2016-7200
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