CVE-2013-6658 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple use-after-free vulnerabilities in the layout implementation in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 33.0.1750.117, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors involving (1) running JavaScript code during execution of the updateWidgetPositions function or (2) making a call into a plugin during execution of the updateWidgetPositions function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2013-6658 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome browser. This flaw exists in the layout implementation component where memory management errors occur during the execution of the updateWidgetPositions function. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The affected version range includes Chrome versions prior to 33.0.1750.117, making it a significant concern for users running outdated browser versions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the updateWidgetPositions function within Blink's layout engine. The first vector involves executing JavaScript code during the function's execution, while the second vector exploits plugin calls during the same function execution. Both attack paths capitalize on the improper memory management during layout updates, where the system attempts to access freed memory locations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser rendering and scripting execution, demonstrating how complex interactions between different components can create exploitable conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6658 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. When attackers successfully trigger these use-after-free conditions, they can manipulate the browser's memory state to execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised browser process. This represents a significant threat vector within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for JavaScript execution, as the vulnerability specifically targets JavaScript code execution within the browser context. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests it could be leveraged for privilege escalation or information disclosure scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate browser updates to versions 33.0.1750.117 or later where the memory management issues have been addressed through proper free() and nullification procedures. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through sandbox escape techniques, which is why maintaining updated browser versions is critical. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms should be enabled to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability in their network traffic and endpoint systems, as the exploitation patterns align with common web-based attack methodologies documented in various threat intelligence reports.