CVE-2013-0882 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 25.0.1364.97 on Windows and Linux, and before 25.0.1364.99 on Mac OS X, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (incorrect memory access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a large number of SVG parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0882 represents a critical memory management flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to specific patch releases across multiple operating systems. This vulnerability manifests as an incorrect memory access condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger denial of service conditions or potentially execute arbitrary code. The issue specifically affects Chrome versions 25.0.1364.97 and earlier on Windows and Linux platforms, as well as versions 25.0.1364.99 and earlier on Mac OS X systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of Scalable Vector Graphics parameters during browser rendering processes, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can leverage through malicious web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending a large number of SVG parameters to the affected Chrome browser instances, which causes the browser to process these parameters in a manner that leads to memory corruption. This memory access error occurs within the browser's rendering engine where SVG elements are parsed and rendered, specifically in the handling of parameter validation and memory allocation routines. The flaw can result in memory addresses being accessed incorrectly, leading to browser crashes or potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues commonly classified as CWE-125, which represents "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0882 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability can potentially allow remote code execution attacks against unsuspecting users. When exploited successfully, attackers can leverage this flaw to compromise user systems by executing malicious code within the browser context, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on the user's privilege level. The vulnerability affects a wide range of users since Chrome was one of the most widely used web browsers at the time, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit the largest possible user base. Organizations and individual users running affected versions of Chrome were particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks, as the vulnerability could be triggered through simple web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0882 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to the latest available versions that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement automated update mechanisms to ensure all browser installations remain current with the latest security patches. Additionally, organizations can deploy network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious websites that might exploit this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1211, which involves exploitation of vulnerabilities in software applications to execute malicious code. Users should also be educated about the importance of keeping their browser software updated and avoiding suspicious websites that may contain malicious SVG content designed to exploit this specific memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the potential risks associated with running outdated browser versions that may contain unpatched security flaws.