CVE-2017-11839: Microsoft Edge scripting engine memory corruption allows remote code execution

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 19 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityHigh CVSS (7.5) with a public exploit and very high EPSS, though exploitation requires user interaction and the affected OS builds are aging.

What it is

Microsoft Edge mishandles objects in memory in its scripting engine, a memory corruption flaw (CWE-119) that can let an attacker take control of the affected system. It affects Windows 10 (Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709) and Windows Server 2016/1709. Because the browser is the entry point, it matters to any environment still running these unpatched builds.

Impact

Successful exploitation gives the attacker control of the affected system in the context of the current user. That typically means code execution, data access and further lateral movement from the browser process.

Attack surface

Reached over the network through the Edge browser rendering content that triggers the scripting engine flaw. The CVSS vector shows no privileges required but user interaction is required, so a victim must open or interact with attacker-controlled content.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV, but a public Exploit-DB entry (43180) exists and EPSS is very high (0.62, ~99th percentile), indicating elevated real-world exploitation likelihood.

What to do

• Apply the Microsoft security update referenced in the MSRC advisory for CVE-2017-11839 as the first action.
• Upgrade or migrate off unsupported Windows 10 builds (Gold, 1511, 1607) and Windows Server 2016/1709 where feasible.
• Enforce browser hardening: disable or restrict scripting where possible and keep Edge/WebView2 components current.
• Block or sandbox untrusted web content and use network controls to limit access to known malicious sites.
• Reduce user exposure by applying least privilege and removing local admin rights from browsing accounts.

Detection

• Monitor for Edge (MicrosoftEdge.exe) crashes or abnormal terminations that may indicate memory corruption attempts.
• Hunt for child processes spawned by Edge, especially script interpreters or command shells, which are atypical for normal browsing.
• Review proxy and DNS logs for access to domains associated with known exploit kits or the Exploit-DB PoC delivery.
• Check endpoint telemetry for suspicious memory allocation or injection patterns in browser processes.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.