CVE-2013-0897 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the PDF functionality 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 via a crafted document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0897 represents a critical off-by-one error within Google Chrome's PDF rendering functionality that affects multiple operating systems. This flaw exists in 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 issue stems from improper boundary checking during PDF document processing, creating a condition where a maliciously crafted PDF file can trigger unexpected behavior in the browser's rendering engine. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices are not properly validated against their bounds. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where users frequently encounter untrusted content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome processes a specially crafted PDF document that contains malformed array indices or buffer boundaries. When the PDF parser encounters these malformed elements, the off-by-one error causes the application to access memory locations outside of the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption or unexpected program termination. This type of error commonly results in application crashes or denial of service conditions, as the browser's PDF rendering engine fails to properly handle the malformed input. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to cause denial of service, though in this case the exploitation is not necessarily malicious but rather represents a fundamental flaw in input handling. The specific nature of the error suggests that the PDF parser's memory management routines lack proper bounds checking for array operations, particularly when processing embedded objects or complex PDF structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0897 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. While the immediate effect is typically a browser crash or hang, the underlying memory corruption vulnerability creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks if combined with other exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects all users who rely on Chrome's built-in PDF viewer, making it particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption across enterprise and consumer environments. Organizations running affected Chrome versions face significant risk, as a single malicious PDF document could compromise multiple systems within their network, especially when users frequently download and open documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that security teams must implement coordinated patching across Windows, Linux, and macOS environments, adding complexity to the remediation process. The flaw's presence in the PDF rendering subsystem also highlights the inherent risks of complex document processing libraries, where a single validation error can cascade into system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0897 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and user education. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Chrome installations to versions 25.0.1364.97 or later for Windows and Linux, and 25.0.1364.99 or later for macOS systems, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the off-by-one error. Additionally, implementing content filtering measures to block suspicious PDF files, particularly those from untrusted sources, can provide additional protection layers. Security teams should also consider disabling the built-in PDF viewer in Chrome and using external PDF readers as a temporary workaround while patches are deployed. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular software updates and the need for robust input validation in browser applications. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Chrome versions and implement monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following established protocols for vulnerability management, as outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-128 for vulnerability management and ISO 27001 for information security controls.