CVE-2013-2833 in Chrome OS
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the O3D plug-in in Google Chrome OS before 26.0.1410.57 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to improper management of ownership relationships involving Elements and DrawElements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2017
The CVE-2013-2833 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the O3D plugin component of Google Chrome OS, specifically affecting versions prior to 26.0.1410.57. This vulnerability resides in the graphics rendering subsystem that handles 3D content processing through the O3D API, which was designed to enable rich 3D graphics experiences within web applications. The issue stems from improper memory management practices during the handling of ownership relationships between Elements and DrawElements objects, creating a scenario where memory locations could be accessed after they had been freed by the system. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious web content that triggers improper memory management within the O3D plugin. When Elements and DrawElements objects are manipulated in specific ways, the plugin fails to properly track ownership relationships, leading to situations where memory allocated to these objects becomes invalid while still being referenced. This use-after-free condition creates a memory corruption state that can result in application crashes, system instability, and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the memory corruption could potentially be leveraged for arbitrary code execution, though the exact exploitation vectors were not fully detailed in the initial disclosure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Chrome OS users who may encounter malicious web content that triggers the memory corruption. The O3D plugin was commonly used for rich web-based 3D graphics applications, making it a frequent target for exploitation. Attackers could potentially host malicious content on compromised websites or deliver it through phishing campaigns, requiring users to simply view the content to be affected. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. Organizations relying on Chrome OS for their computing infrastructure faced potential exposure to system instability and possible remote code execution risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2833 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Chrome OS version 26.0.1410.57 or later, which includes patched memory management routines that properly handle ownership relationships between Elements and DrawElements objects. System administrators should implement automated update policies to ensure all Chrome OS devices receive security patches promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions that can block known malicious domains and content, disabling the O3D plugin for users who do not require 3D graphics capabilities, and monitoring system logs for unusual behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a classic example of how improper resource management can lead to security vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability that could potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation or code execution, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing Chrome OS environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and user access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.