Microsoft Edge, the new Chromium-based web browser from Microsoft, has been reported to contain an information disclosure vulnerability. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2023-38158 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database. The potential exploit of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, leading to privacy issues for the users. In this article, we will be diving deep into what this vulnerability is, its possible impacts, a code snippet, and original references.

What is CVE-2023-38158?
CVE-2023-38158 is a number assigned to the information disclosure vulnerability that impacts the Microsoft Edge web browser. It's important to note that this particular vulnerability is found in the Chromium-based version of the browser, which has gained popularity due to its improved performance and integration of Chrome Web Store extensions.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability in question could allow an attacker to bypass security mechanisms and access sensitive information without proper authorization. This is particularly concerning when browsing websites that require sensitive personal information, such as bank websites or online stores.

One scenario of exploiting this vulnerability includes an attacker crafting a malicious website or embedding malicious content within a legitimate site, which when visited by an unsuspecting user, can execute the exploit code to bypass security measures and disclose sensitive information. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access to personal data or even identity theft.

It is recommended that users update their Microsoft Edge browser to the latest version or use an alternative browser, as Microsoft has already issued a patch for this vulnerability.

Code Snippet

The following code snippet demonstrates the potential exploit of the CVE-2023-38158 vulnerability.

<html>
<head>
    <title>CVE-2023-38158 Exploit Example</title>
    <script>
        function exploitCVE202338158() {
            // malicious code to exploit the vulnerability
            ...
        }
    </script>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Welcome to the website!</h1>
    <p>Visit our <a href="#" onclick="exploitCVE202338158()">exclusive offer</a> for more information.</p>
</body>
</html>

In this example, the malicious code is executed upon clicking the "exclusive offer" link, potentially exploiting the vulnerability and disclosing sensitive information.

Original References

To better understand CVE-2023-38158 and to stay updated on this security issue, it's important to use original references. The following resources provide more information on this vulnerability:

1. CVE database: The entry for CVE-2023-38158 provides a brief summary of the vulnerability and its classification.

2. Microsoft Security Advisory: Microsoft's security advisory on CVE-2023-38158 comprises detailed information on the vulnerability's impact, affected software, mitigation strategies, and the patch.

3. Security researchers: It is always beneficial to follow reputable security researchers for the latest updates on vulnerabilities and potential threats. Two such security researchers who regularly cover browser and web-related exploits are Tavis Ormandy and Lukasz Olejnik.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-38158 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting the Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) browser. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that could compromise user privacy. To safeguard themselves, users should ensure that they are using the most up-to-date browser version, as Microsoft has already patched the vulnerability. Additionally, users need to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites.

Timeline

Published on: 08/21/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 08/22/2023 12:41:00 UTC