CVE-2012-2896 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the WebGL implementation in Google Chrome before 22.0.1229.79 on Mac OS X allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2896 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the WebGL implementation of Google Chrome version 22.0.1229.79 and earlier on macOS operating systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic handling within the graphics processing components that enable web applications to render 3D graphics through WebGL APIs. The vulnerability manifests when the browser processes WebGL-related operations that involve integer calculations, where the overflow condition can occur during memory allocation or buffer size computations, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malicious web content that triggers specific WebGL operations designed to cause integer overflow conditions. When Chrome processes these operations, the overflow can result in corrupted memory states or invalid pointer references that may cause the browser to crash or behave unpredictably. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the graphics rendering level where memory management and buffer handling are critical. This type of integer overflow falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow or wraparound, which is a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution in affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the primary effect is a browser crash or hang, the underlying integer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts or execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted WebGL content. The vulnerability affects the core rendering engine of Chrome, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. This makes it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns that leverage the widespread use of Chrome as a default browser.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2896 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser security hardening measures. The most effective solution is upgrading to Google Chrome version 22.0.1229.79 or later, which includes patches specifically addressing the integer overflow conditions in WebGL implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies that ensure all systems receive security updates promptly, particularly for browser software that handles complex graphics rendering. Additional protective measures include enabling sandboxing features within Chrome, implementing content security policies that restrict WebGL usage, and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious WebGL content, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of web browsers and T1059 for command and scripting interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and arithmetic overflow protection in graphics rendering libraries, highlighting the need for robust security testing of multimedia components in web browsers.