CVE-2012-5122 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 23.0.1271.64 does not properly perform a cast of an unspecified variable during handling of input, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5122 represents a critical type confusion issue within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 23.0.1271.64. This flaw manifests during the processing of input data where the browser fails to properly cast an unspecified variable, creating a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that can lead to unpredictable behavior in the browser's execution environment. According to CWE-468, this represents a type confusion vulnerability where the software incorrectly handles type conversions, leading to potential exploitation. The issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries may leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or disrupt system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within Chrome's JavaScript engine or rendering components where input handling routines fail to properly validate type information during variable operations. When processing malformed or crafted input data, the browser's internal casting mechanism becomes confused about the expected data types, potentially causing memory corruption or unexpected execution paths. This type confusion can result in stack corruption, heap corruption, or other memory management issues that manifest as denial of service conditions or potential code execution. The unspecified nature of the variable involved suggests that the vulnerability could affect multiple data types or processing paths within the browser's input handling infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous and difficult to predict.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5122 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as remote attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to user systems. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks where adversaries might use it to establish persistent access or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects users running Chrome versions below 23.0.1271.64, representing a significant portion of users who had not yet updated to the patched version. Organizations relying on Chrome for web browsing operations face potential exposure to this vulnerability, especially in environments where users may not receive timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5122 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 23.0.1271.64 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the type confusion issue. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all users receive security updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, deploying content security policies, and monitoring network traffic for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting JavaScript execution, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential exploitation impact. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping browser software updated and following security best practices to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.