CVE-2012-5117 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 23.0.1271.64 does not properly restrict the loading of an SVG subresource in the context of an IMG element, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5117 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 23.0.1271.64 and represents a significant security flaw in the browser's handling of Scalable Vector Graphics subresources. This issue specifically manifests when Chrome processes SVG content within IMG elements, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict how SVG files are loaded and rendered when referenced through image tags, allowing for unintended resource loading behaviors that could compromise user security.
The technical flaw lies in Chrome's improper handling of SVG subresources when they are embedded within IMG elements, creating a scenario where malicious SVG content could be loaded and executed in ways that bypass normal security restrictions. This behavior creates an unspecified but potentially severe impact on user systems, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to load arbitrary content that might contain malicious payloads or exploit other browser components. The flaw operates at the intersection of web rendering and resource management, where the browser's security model fails to adequately separate SVG processing from standard image loading operations, allowing for potential privilege escalation or information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cross-site scripting attacks, as it could enable attackers to perform remote code execution or data exfiltration through carefully crafted SVG files. The unspecified nature of the impact suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited in multiple ways, potentially allowing for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code or the bypass of security boundaries within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers could leverage this flaw by hosting malicious SVG files on compromised websites or through social engineering campaigns that direct users to malicious content, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5117 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 23.0.1271.64 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly restrict SVG subresource loading within IMG elements. Security administrators should also implement network-level protections such as content filtering systems and web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SVG content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and downloading content from unknown sources, as this vulnerability could be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures that restrict the execution of potentially malicious content, aligning with defense-in-depth principles that reduce the attack surface available to threat actors. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 and CWE-120 categories related to improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary, and could be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving initial access through malicious content and execution through web browsers.