CVE-2012-2864 in Chrome OS
Summary
by MITRE
Mesa, as used in Google Chrome before 21.0.1183.0 on the Acer AC700, Cr-48, and Samsung Series 5 and 5 550 Chromebook platforms, and the Samsung Chromebox Series 3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors that trigger an "array overflow."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2864 represents a critical security flaw within the Mesa graphics library implementation that was present in Google Chrome versions prior to 21.0.1183.0. This issue specifically affected devices running Chrome OS including the Acer AC700, Cr-48, Samsung Series 5 and 5 550 Chromebooks, and Samsung Chromebox Series 3. The vulnerability stems from an array overflow condition that occurs when processing certain graphics-related data, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The affected systems were particularly vulnerable because they relied on Mesa for graphics rendering, which served as a crucial component in the Chrome OS graphics stack that was exploited through the browser's rendering engine.
The technical flaw manifests as an array overflow condition that occurs when the graphics processing unit handles malformed or specially crafted graphics data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and can be classified as a buffer overflow variant that specifically affects array boundary checks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the graphics rendering pipeline, which is frequently accessed during web browsing activities. When an attacker crafts malicious content that triggers this specific condition, it can lead to memory corruption that allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The exploitation mechanism leverages the graphics processing capabilities of the device to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code remotely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it affects entire device ecosystems that depend on Chrome OS for their operation. Attackers could remotely execute code on vulnerable devices simply by visiting malicious websites or receiving specially crafted content through various communication channels. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and device security, as the exploitation does not require physical access to the device. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Chromebook and Chromebox devices that were popular in enterprise and consumer markets, potentially exposing sensitive corporate and personal data. The attack surface is particularly broad because graphics rendering is a fundamental part of web browsing, making exploitation relatively straightforward and difficult to prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2864 primarily involve updating the affected systems to versions that contain patches for the Mesa graphics library and Chrome browser. The most effective solution is to upgrade to Google Chrome version 21.0.1183.0 or later, which includes fixes for the array overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices are updated promptly, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction. Additional mitigations include network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls that can help detect and block malicious content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections and monitoring for unusual graphics processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics libraries and the need for continuous security assessment of system components that handle untrusted input data, particularly those operating in privileged execution contexts.