CVE-2012-2844 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The PDF functionality in Google Chrome before 20.0.1132.57 does not properly handle JavaScript code, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (incorrect object access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2844 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's handling of PDF documents that existed prior to version 20.0.1132.57. This issue stems from improper JavaScript code handling within the browser's PDF rendering engine, specifically affecting how the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper object access, where the PDF functionality fails to properly validate and manage JavaScript execution within document contexts, creating opportunities for exploitation. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation and improper handling of untrusted data within a web browser's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome's PDF viewer encounters a maliciously constructed PDF document containing malformed JavaScript code. The browser's PDF processing engine does not adequately sanitize or properly validate the JavaScript elements embedded within PDF files, leading to potential memory corruption or incorrect object access patterns. This improper handling creates conditions where remote attackers can manipulate the PDF rendering process to trigger unexpected behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries by leveraging the PDF viewer's JavaScript execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2844 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, presenting potential for more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. When exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers to cause system instability through incorrect object access patterns, potentially leading to browser crashes or system hangs. However, the more concerning aspect involves the possibility of unspecified other impacts, which could include privilege escalation or data compromise. The vulnerability affects users who browse the web and encounter malicious PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access untrusted content. The attack vector requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a significant threat to web browser security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2844 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser configuration changes. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Google Chrome version 20.0.1132.57 or later, which includes patches addressing the PDF JavaScript handling issues. Organizations should implement automated update mechanisms to ensure all systems receive the security patches promptly. Additional mitigations include configuring browser security settings to disable JavaScript execution within PDF documents, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious PDF content, and deploying endpoint protection solutions with behavioral monitoring capabilities. Security teams should also consider disabling PDF viewing in browsers when not required for business operations, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits targeting browser components.