CVE-2012-5142 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 23.0.1271.97 does not properly handle history navigation, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5142 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 23.0.1271.97 and stems from improper handling of history navigation within the browser's architecture. This flaw resides in the browser's navigation and history management systems, where the application fails to correctly process certain navigation sequences that involve history manipulation. The issue manifests when Chrome encounters specific combinations of forward and backward navigation actions within the browser's history stack, creating a condition where memory corruption or unexpected behavior can occur. Such improper handling of navigation sequences represents a critical security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted web content that triggers specific history navigation patterns within the Chrome browser. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that, when navigated to and then manipulated through history operations, cause the browser to execute unintended code paths or corrupt memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The flaw specifically impacts the browser's internal state management during navigation operations, where the history stack manipulation does not properly validate or sanitize the navigation sequences, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory-related issues.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions as it could enable remote code execution on compromised systems. The attack surface is broad since any web page could potentially be used to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Users who browse the web regularly face elevated risk, as simply visiting a malicious site could lead to system compromise. The denial of service aspect also creates operational disruptions, as legitimate browser usage could be interrupted by crashes or unexpected behavior. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's stability and security model, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5142 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 23.0.1271.97 or later, where Google has implemented fixes to properly handle history navigation sequences. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Browser vendors and security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as sandboxing enhancements and stricter input validation for navigation operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper state management in web browsers and highlights the need for rigorous testing of navigation and history management features. Security professionals should monitor for similar patterns in other browser components and ensure that navigation-related code paths undergo thorough security review processes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution through browser exploitation.