CVE-2012-2820 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 20.0.1132.43 does not properly implement SVG filters, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2820 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's implementation of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) filter processing within versions prior to 20.0.1132.43. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack. The vulnerability specifically resides in how Chrome handles SVG filter elements, which are used to apply visual effects such as blurs, shadows, and color transformations to vector graphics. When processing malformed or specially crafted SVG filter data, the browser fails to properly validate input boundaries, leading to memory access violations that can crash the application or render it unresponsive.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This particular flaw operates at the intersection of web browser security and graphics processing, where the SVG filter engine lacks proper input sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web pages containing specially formatted SVG filter elements that, when rendered by the vulnerable Chrome version, cause the browser's rendering engine to attempt reading memory beyond allocated boundaries. The exploitation process typically involves creating SVG content with malformed filter parameters or excessive nested filter operations that overwhelm the processing logic.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions as it enables remote code execution through denial of service attacks. While the primary impact is service disruption rather than arbitrary code execution, the ability to crash browser processes repeatedly can lead to persistent availability issues for users. The vulnerability affects all operating systems where the vulnerable Chrome version is installed, including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Security researchers have noted that such out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities often serve as precursors to more severe exploits, as they may indicate broader memory safety issues within the browser's rendering subsystem. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download scenarios.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-2820 centers on immediate browser updates to version 20.0.1132.43 or later, which incorporates proper boundary checks and input validation for SVG filter processing. System administrators should prioritize patching affected installations and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Organizations can implement additional protective measures such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SVG content, though these solutions remain secondary to the primary remediation approach. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in graphics processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of rendering engines. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verification that all users have upgraded to patched versions and that automated update mechanisms are functioning correctly to prevent future exposure to similar vulnerabilities.