CVE-2013-2838 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 27.0.1453.93, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2838 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Google V8 JavaScript engine, which serves as the core JavaScript execution engine for Google Chrome browser and other applications. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of Chrome prior to 27.0.1453.93, making it a significant concern for users operating outdated browser versions. The V8 engine is responsible for compiling and executing JavaScript code in web browsers, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web-based applications. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be triggered through unspecified vectors, indicating the vulnerability may be accessible through various attack surfaces within the JavaScript engine's execution environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is particularly dangerous because it can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the V8 engine's JavaScript compilation and execution processes. When processing certain JavaScript code patterns, the engine fails to properly validate array indices or memory access boundaries, allowing attackers to read memory locations that should remain protected or inaccessible. This out-of-bounds read can occur during various JavaScript operations including array manipulation, string processing, or object property access. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple code paths within the V8 engine could potentially trigger this condition, making it particularly challenging to defend against completely. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and represents a common pattern in JavaScript engine security flaws that have been documented across multiple browser vendors over the years.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and user safety. Remote attackers can exploit this condition to cause denial of service attacks by triggering the out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to browser crashes or system instability that disrupts normal user operations. The severity of the impact extends beyond simple service disruption, as such memory safety issues often serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive information from memory, potentially accessing credentials, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in memory regions. The vulnerability's presence in widely used software like Google Chrome means that successful exploitation could affect millions of users simultaneously, making it a high-priority target for threat actors seeking widespread impact. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, and potentially T1499 for network denial of service, depending on the specific exploitation method.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2838 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser maintenance protocols. The most effective defense mechanism involves upgrading to Google Chrome version 27.0.1453.93 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all systems. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, deploying content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Browser hardening configurations such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict cross-origin resource sharing policies, and enabling automatic update mechanisms can further reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current software versions and demonstrates how even well-established security frameworks can be compromised by memory safety issues in complex software components like JavaScript engines.