CVE-2013-0884 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, does not properly load Native Client (aka NaCl) code, which has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0884 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers across multiple operating systems. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 25.0.1364.97 on Windows and Linux platforms, and before 25.0.1364.99 on Mac OS X systems. The vulnerability specifically relates to the improper handling of Native Client code execution, which is a core component of Chrome's security architecture designed to enable safe execution of native code within the browser environment.
Native Client technology was developed to allow web applications to run native code securely within the browser while maintaining the security boundaries that prevent malicious code from compromising the host system. The flaw in Chrome's implementation suggests that the browser's validation mechanisms for Native Client modules were insufficiently robust, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions that should normally prevent arbitrary code execution. This weakness exists within the browser's code loading and execution pipeline where Native Client modules are processed and validated before being allowed to run in the browser context.
The unspecified impact and attack vectors associated with this vulnerability indicate that the flaw could potentially enable a wide range of malicious activities including remote code execution, privilege escalation, or information disclosure. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious Native Client modules that would be accepted by the browser despite failing proper validation checks. The vulnerability's presence in multiple operating systems demonstrates that the underlying flaw was in the browser's core architecture rather than being platform-specific, making it particularly dangerous as it affected a large user base across different environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses in memory handling that can lead to buffer overflows and other memory corruption issues, and it relates to the broader category of code injection attacks. From an operational perspective, the vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations and individual users who relied on Chrome for web browsing, as it could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The exploitability of this vulnerability through Native Client code execution means that attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems, install malware, or perform other malicious activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate updating of Chrome browsers to versions 25.0.1364.97 or later on Windows and Linux, and 25.0.1364.99 or later on Mac OS X. Additionally, system administrators should implement browser security policies that restrict Native Client module execution where possible and maintain comprehensive monitoring for suspicious browser activity. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based security controls and endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper code validation and sandboxing mechanisms in modern web browsers, as failures in these security controls can have severe consequences for user security and system integrity.