CVE-2013-0888 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Skia, as used in 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 (out-of-bounds read) via vectors related to a "user gesture check for dangerous file downloads."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0888 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Skia graphics library implementation that affects Google Chrome versions prior to specific patched releases across multiple operating systems. This issue specifically manifests when Chrome processes user gesture checks for dangerous file downloads, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit malformed input to trigger memory access violations. The flaw exists in the graphics rendering subsystem that handles file download operations, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Chrome as a primary web browser.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted malicious web content that triggers an improper validation of user gestures during file download operations. When Chrome processes these interactions, the Skia graphics library fails to properly bounds-check memory accesses, allowing attackers to read memory locations beyond allocated buffers. This out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive information or cause the browser to crash, resulting in a denial of service condition that disrupts normal user operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which represents a common class of memory safety issues in software implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who browse the internet regularly, as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. The impact extends across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, demonstrating the widespread nature of the flaw within the Chrome ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform denial of service attacks against targeted users or systems, potentially disrupting business operations or creating persistent availability issues for affected users.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-0888 involves immediate upgrading of Google Chrome installations to versions 25.0.1364.97 or later on Windows and Linux platforms, and 25.0.1364.99 or later on Mac OS X systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains while patches are being deployed. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1211 suggests that it could be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting browser security weaknesses, making proactive remediation essential for maintaining secure computing environments.