CVE-2014-3196 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
base/memory/shared_memory_win.cc in Google Chrome before 38.0.2125.101 on Windows does not properly implement read-only restrictions on shared memory, which allows attackers to bypass a sandbox protection mechanism via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3196 resides within Google Chrome's implementation of shared memory handling on Windows operating systems. This flaw exists in the base/memory/shared_memory_win.cc file and affects Chrome versions prior to 38.0.2125.101, representing a critical sandbox bypass issue that undermines fundamental security protections. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows implementation of shared memory management where read-only restrictions are not properly enforced, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the browser's security model.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper handling of shared memory objects within the Windows environment where Chrome's sandbox protection mechanism fails to correctly enforce read-only access controls. This misimplementation allows attackers to manipulate shared memory segments that should be restricted to read-only operations, effectively breaking the isolation between different process contexts. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where shared memory objects are created and managed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to memory regions that should remain protected.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe sandbox escape vector that enables attackers to bypass Chrome's security model designed to contain malicious code execution within isolated processes. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads that would normally be blocked by the sandbox, effectively neutralizing one of the primary defense mechanisms in modern web browsers. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the exploitation could occur through various attack surfaces including malicious web content, file attachments, or network-based attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation in memory management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for execution through browser processes and T1068 for local privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects a core component of the browser's security architecture, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3196 primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates to version 38.0.2125.101 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly enforce shared memory read-only restrictions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, implementation of web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious activity, and enhanced monitoring of browser processes for anomalous memory access patterns. Security teams should also consider deploying sandbox monitoring tools that can detect unauthorized memory access attempts and provide real-time alerts when such violations occur. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software implementations to prevent exploitation of fundamental security flaws in browser architectures.