CVE-2012-2830 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 20.0.1132.43 does not properly set array values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (incorrect pointer use) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2830 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 20.0.1132.43 and represents a critical memory management flaw that stems from improper array value handling within the browser's JavaScript engine. This issue resides in the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Chrome's execution environment, where the improper array value setting mechanism creates conditions that can lead to memory corruption and unpredictable behavior. The flaw manifests when the browser processes array operations that involve setting values, particularly in scenarios where array boundaries are not correctly validated or maintained during memory allocation and deallocation processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted JavaScript code that manipulates array objects in ways that trigger incorrect pointer usage patterns within the V8 engine's memory management subsystem. When Chrome processes such malformed array operations, it can cause memory pointers to reference invalid locations or improperly allocated memory segments, leading to either immediate denial of service conditions where the browser crashes or more subtle memory corruption that could potentially allow for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category for stack-based buffer overflow and is classified as a memory safety issue that affects the fundamental operation of the JavaScript engine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks that could be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise user systems. Attackers could craft web pages containing malicious JavaScript that exploits this array handling flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that users could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in the context of modern web browsing where users frequently encounter untrusted content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution and represents a classic example of how memory corruption flaws in browser engines can be weaponized for remote compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2830 primarily involve immediate patching of Chrome installations to versions 20.0.1132.43 or later, where Google has implemented proper array value validation and memory management safeguards. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as sandboxing mechanisms, web application firewalls, and browser hardening configurations that limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that array operations properly validate memory boundaries and maintain correct pointer references throughout the execution lifecycle, preventing the corruption patterns that led to the vulnerability. Security teams should also monitor for related vulnerabilities in the V8 engine and maintain comprehensive patch management procedures to address similar memory safety issues that may emerge in the browser's JavaScript execution environment.