CVE-2012-2874 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Skia, as used in Google Chrome before 22.0.1229.79, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors that trigger an out-of-bounds write operation, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-2883.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2874 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Skia graphics library implementation in Google Chrome versions prior to 22.0.1229.79. This issue falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to severe security implications including denial of service conditions and potential remote code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the graphics rendering engine processes certain malformed input data, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory locations beyond their intended boundaries.
Skia serves as Google's 2D graphics library and is extensively utilized across Chrome's rendering pipeline for handling various visual elements including images, text, and vector graphics. The vulnerability arises from inadequate bounds checking within Skia's memory management routines when processing specific graphics operations. This allows malicious actors to craft specially designed web content that, when rendered by Chrome, triggers memory corruption through unauthorized write operations. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a potential exploitation vector that can be leveraged to disrupt normal browser operation or potentially achieve more severe outcomes depending on the execution environment and memory layout.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it represents a fundamental flaw in Chrome's graphics processing stack that could enable sophisticated attack vectors. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause Chrome to crash or behave unpredictably, effectively disrupting user sessions and potentially providing attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code. The nature of graphics libraries makes them particularly attractive targets for attackers since they often handle complex data structures and require extensive memory manipulation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation and memory safety mechanisms in graphics rendering systems that are exposed to untrusted content.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability according to CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability's classification also relates to T1203, which covers legitimate programs that are used for privilege escalation or lateral movement, since successful exploitation could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated privileges within the victim's system. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability exists in a component that is actively exploited in the wild.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2012-2874 requires users and organizations to upgrade to Chrome version 22.0.1229.79 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds write conditions in Skia. Additionally, administrators should implement browser hardening measures including content security policies and sandboxing configurations to limit potential impact even if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and continuous monitoring of browser components, particularly those handling multimedia and graphics processing. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level controls to detect and block known malicious content patterns that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining awareness of related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2012-2883 that share similar exploitation characteristics.