CVE-2012-5140 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 23.0.1271.97 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to the URL loader.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5140 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 23.0.1271.97 that exposes users to significant security risks including potential remote code execution and denial of service conditions. This vulnerability specifically affects the URL loader component within the browser's architecture, which is responsible for handling web resource requests and processing URLs from various sources. The flaw occurs when the browser's memory management system fails to properly handle the lifecycle of allocated memory objects, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted web content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of memory after it has been freed, a common class of memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The URL loader component in Chrome is responsible for processing web requests and managing network resources, making it a prime target for exploitation. When a malicious web page triggers the vulnerable code path, the browser may attempt to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web content without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5140 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the use-after-free condition creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Chrome browser process, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, performing unauthorized actions, or establishing persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects all operating systems where the affected Chrome versions are deployed, including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, making it a widespread concern for organizations and individual users alike.
Security researchers have documented that exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious web content that triggers the URL loader component in a specific manner, causing the browser to access freed memory locations. The attack surface is particularly broad since URL loading occurs frequently during normal browsing activities, making the vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as browser isolation techniques and network-based protections to mitigate the risk while awaiting official patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and following security best practices recommended by organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Center for Internet Security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5140 include immediate deployment of Chrome version 23.0.1271.97 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the memory management flaw. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and the potential consequences of delayed patch management. Additionally, browser hardening techniques such as sandboxing and privilege separation can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts, though these measures cannot fully compensate for the underlying memory safety issues that enable such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also monitor for related vulnerabilities that may be discovered in similar components of web browsers and related software systems.