CVE-2019-1024 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability found in Microsoft ChakraCore, the JavaScript engine used in the legacy Microsoft Edge browser (HTML-based). The vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory, which can lead to memory corruption. An attacker exploiting this flaw can execute arbitrary code within the security context of the current user. If the user has administrative privileges, the attacker could gain full control over the affected system, enabling installation of programs, data manipulation, or creation of new user accounts with elevated rights. The attack vector is primarily web-based: an attacker can craft a malicious website that exploits this vulnerability when visited by a user running the vulnerable Edge browser. Additionally, compromised or user-content hosting websites could serve malicious payloads exploiting this flaw. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting a malicious or compromised website) and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.2, indicating medium severity. The attack complexity is high, and no privileges are required prior to exploitation, but user interaction is necessary. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability by updating the Chakra scripting engine to properly handle objects in memory, preventing the memory corruption that leads to code execution.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2019-1024 depends largely on the continued use of the legacy Microsoft Edge browser (HTML-based) and ChakraCore engine. Organizations still relying on this browser for internal or legacy applications could face risks of remote code execution attacks leading to unauthorized system control. This can result in data breaches, disruption of operations, and potential lateral movement within networks if administrative privileges are compromised. The vulnerability could be exploited via malicious websites or compromised legitimate sites, posing a risk to employees browsing the internet. Although the CVSS score is medium and exploitation complexity is high, the potential for privilege escalation and system takeover makes it a concern, especially in environments with less stringent patch management or legacy system dependencies. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, particularly if attackers develop exploits targeting unpatched systems. European organizations with sensitive data or critical infrastructure should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk that requires timely mitigation to prevent exploitation.

1. Apply all available security updates from Microsoft that address this vulnerability, ensuring that the ChakraCore engine and Microsoft Edge (HTML-based) browser are fully patched. 2. Transition away from the legacy Microsoft Edge browser to supported browsers such as the Chromium-based Edge or other modern browsers that do not use ChakraCore. 3. Implement web filtering and URL reputation services to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites that could host exploit code. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory access patterns or code injection. 5. Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of reporting suspicious web content. 6. For environments requiring legacy applications, consider isolating systems running the vulnerable browser in segmented network zones with restricted internet access to reduce exposure. 7. Regularly audit and monitor systems for signs of compromise, focusing on privilege escalation and unauthorized account creation activities.