CVE-2013-0841 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in the content-blocking functionality in Google Chrome before 24.0.1312.56 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0841 represents a critical array index error within Google Chrome's content-blocking functionality, affecting versions prior to 24.0.1312.56. This flaw resides in the browser's mechanism for filtering and blocking web content, which is a fundamental security feature designed to protect users from malicious websites and unwanted advertisements. The content-blocking system operates by maintaining arrays of rules and patterns that determine which elements should be blocked or allowed on web pages, making it a core component of the browser's security architecture. When an array index error occurs, it indicates that the software is not properly validating array bounds before accessing elements, potentially leading to memory corruption issues that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the content-blocking subsystem, which falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions as classified by CWE-129. This type of flaw occurs when software attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries, creating potential pathways for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this weakness through carefully crafted web content that triggers the flawed array access during content filtering operations. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest that beyond simple denial of service, this vulnerability could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation, though the exact attack vectors remain undisclosed. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without any local user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0841 extends beyond mere service disruption to potentially compromise user security and privacy. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to cause persistent denial of service conditions that would prevent users from accessing legitimate websites or services, effectively rendering the browser unusable for its intended purpose. More concerning is the potential for this flaw to be weaponized in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers could use the content-blocking functionality as an attack surface to deliver malware or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The widespread adoption of Google Chrome made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as millions of users would be potentially exposed to exploitation. Organizations relying on Chrome for web browsing operations faced significant risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against corporate networks or used in mass phishing campaigns that take advantage of the browser's content filtering mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0841 primarily focus on immediate patching and updating of affected Chrome installations to version 24.0.1312.56 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the array index error. Security administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability exists in the browser's core functionality and cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes alone. Network administrators might consider implementing additional content filtering layers or web proxies that can detect and block suspicious content before it reaches vulnerable browsers, though this approach has limitations and potential performance impacts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. Organizations should also consider deploying browser isolation solutions or sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as these approaches can contain exploitation attempts and prevent full system compromise. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of outdated Chrome installations that might still be vulnerable to this or similar array-based indexing errors.