CVE-2014-1743 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the StyleElement::removedFromDocument function in core/dom/StyleElement.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 35.0.1916.114, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code that triggers tree mutation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2021
The CVE-2014-1743 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome browsers. This vulnerability specifically resides in the StyleElement::removedFromDocument function located in core/dom/StyleElement.cpp, making it a core component of the browser's document object model handling. The flaw manifests when the browser processes JavaScript code that manipulates the DOM tree structure, particularly during document removal operations where memory management becomes critical. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, a well-known category of memory safety issues that have historically led to severe security implications including arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability exists in Chrome versions prior to 35.0.1916.114, indicating that this was a significant flaw that required immediate patching within the browser ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious JavaScript code triggers tree mutation operations that cause a StyleElement to be removed from the document while still being referenced elsewhere in the application's memory space. During the removal process, the StyleElement object's memory is freed, but subsequent operations attempt to access this already-freed memory location. This creates a classic use-after-free scenario where the application continues to reference memory that has been deallocated, leading to unpredictable behavior. The attacker can craft JavaScript that manipulates DOM elements in such a way that the timing and sequence of removal operations creates the conditions necessary for this memory safety violation to occur. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of DOM manipulation and memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web page interactions that do not require special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1743 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more severe attacks depending on the execution environment and exploitation techniques. While the primary reported impact is application crash leading to denial of service, the use-after-free nature of the vulnerability creates opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation methods that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's stability and security model, as it allows remote attackers to compromise the integrity of the browser process through web-based attacks. The flaw affects the fundamental document lifecycle management within Blink, which is critical to how web pages are rendered and manipulated. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption and the privileged nature of browser processes that handle sensitive user data and web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1743 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome, specifically version 35.0.1916.114 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Browser vendors and security researchers have documented that the fix involves proper memory management within the StyleElement removal process, ensuring that all references are properly cleared before memory deallocation occurs. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, enabling sandboxing features, and utilizing browser security extensions that can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety in modern web browsers and demonstrates how seemingly minor DOM manipulation flaws can have significant security implications. Security teams should monitor for similar patterns in other browser components and ensure that automated testing includes memory safety checks during DOM operations. The fix for this vulnerability aligns with industry best practices for preventing use-after-free conditions, emphasizing proper resource management and reference counting mechanisms within browser rendering engines.