CVE-2012-2859 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 21.0.1180.57 on Linux does not properly handle tabs, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2859 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 21.0.1180.57 on Linux operating systems. This issue stems from improper handling of tab management within the browser's architecture, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the Linux implementation of Chrome, indicating that the flaw may be platform-specific or at least more pronounced in Linux environments compared to other operating systems. The technical nature of this vulnerability suggests a fundamental issue in how Chrome processes tab-related operations, potentially involving memory management or resource allocation mechanisms that govern browser tab behavior.
The core technical flaw involves Chrome's tab handling mechanisms failing to properly validate or sanitize tab-related data structures during processing. This inadequate handling creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that manipulate tab states in ways that trigger unexpected behavior within the browser's execution environment. The unspecified vectors indicate that multiple attack paths could exploit this weakness, potentially including crafted web pages, malicious extensions, or manipulated tab switching operations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, as exploitation can occur through web-based attacks delivered via malicious websites or compromised web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2859 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat to user security and system integrity. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the user has elevated permissions. The denial of service component of the vulnerability also presents significant operational risks, as it could be used to disrupt browser functionality and potentially cause system instability. This dual nature of the vulnerability means that attackers could either gain persistent access to victim systems or simply disrupt services, depending on their objectives and the specific attack vector employed.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution, and may also relate to CWE-119, concerning weaknesses in memory management that allow for buffer overflows or similar memory corruption issues. The attack surface for this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations, as the vulnerability existed in versions released in 2012 and represents a known exploit that would have been actively used in the wild. The Linux-specific nature of the issue suggests that system administrators should also consider additional security measures such as browser sandboxing, network segmentation, and user education about avoiding untrusted web content to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.