CVE-2009-2935 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 2.0.172.43, allows remote attackers to bypass intended restrictions on reading memory, and possibly obtain sensitive information or execute arbitrary code in the Chrome sandbox, via crafted JavaScript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2935 represents a critical memory safety issue within Google V8 JavaScript engine, which served as the core execution environment for Google Chrome browser versions prior to 2.0.172.43. This flaw resides in the engine's handling of memory operations and specifically targets the sandboxing mechanisms that protect the browser from malicious code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of memory access operations within the JavaScript interpreter, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the security boundaries that typically isolate potentially dangerous code execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves crafted JavaScript code that exploits memory access patterns within the V8 engine's memory management subsystem. Attackers can manipulate the JavaScript engine to perform unauthorized memory reads that should be restricted by the Chrome sandbox architecture. This bypass allows adversaries to access memory regions that contain sensitive data, potentially including credentials, session tokens, or other confidential information stored in the browser's memory space. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security model that separates the rendering engine from the operating system level operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2935 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the Chrome sandbox environment. This represents a complete compromise of the browser's security architecture, enabling attackers to perform actions such as installing malware, accessing local files, or conducting further attacks against the underlying operating system. The vulnerability particularly affects users of older Chrome versions where the memory management protections had not yet been strengthened against such sophisticated attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and potentially code execution. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution, and T1068 for privilege escalation through sandbox bypass. Organizations should immediately update to Chrome version 2.0.172.43 or later, which includes memory access validation patches and strengthened sandboxing mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing content security policies, disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious JavaScript payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security audits of browser configurations and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts, while user education regarding suspicious web content remains crucial for overall security posture maintenance.