CVE-2014-3195 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 38.0.2125.101, does not properly track JavaScript heap-memory allocations as allocations of uninitialized memory and does not properly concatenate arrays of double-precision floating-point numbers, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via crafted JavaScript code, related to the PagedSpace::AllocateRaw and NewSpace::AllocateRaw functions in heap/spaces-inl.h, the LargeObjectSpace::AllocateRaw function in heap/spaces.cc, and the Runtime_ArrayConcat function in runtime.cc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
This vulnerability exists within Google V8 JavaScript engine version 38.0.2125.101 and earlier, which is utilized by Google Chrome browser. The core issue stems from improper memory management practices where the engine fails to correctly track heap memory allocations as uninitialized memory and does not properly handle concatenation of double-precision floating-point number arrays. This flaw is categorized under CWE-248, representing an improper exception handling mechanism, and falls within the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability manifests through memory allocation functions in the heap management system, specifically affecting PagedSpace::AllocateRaw and NewSpace::AllocateRaw functions located in heap/spaces-inl.h, along with LargeObjectSpace::AllocateRaw in heap/spaces.cc, and the Runtime_ArrayConcat function in runtime.cc.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious JavaScript code that leverages the improper memory handling mechanisms. When the V8 engine processes such code, it fails to properly initialize memory allocations, potentially exposing sensitive data that was previously stored in the uninitialized memory regions. The concatenation of double-precision floating-point arrays creates a pathway for attackers to access memory contents that should remain private, as the engine does not adequately sanitize or clear memory before reuse. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1566 for malicious file delivery, as attackers can exploit this through web-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3195 is significant for users of affected Chrome versions, as it enables remote information disclosure attacks that could potentially expose sensitive user data, session information, or other confidential memory contents. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to memory regions that contain previously allocated but uninitialized data, which might include credentials, personal information, or application state data. The vulnerability affects the fundamental memory management of the JavaScript engine, making it a critical issue for web browser security. Organizations and users running Chrome versions prior to 38.0.2125.101 should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Chrome version 38.0.2125.101 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper memory handling. System administrators should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content security policies to limit exposure to malicious JavaScript code. Additionally, browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict sandboxing measures can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in interpreted environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of runtime systems, particularly those handling user-provided code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous JavaScript behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.