CVE-2015-8479 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the AudioOutputDevice::OnDeviceAuthorized function in media/audio/audio_output_device.cc in Google Chrome before 47.0.2526.73 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact by triggering access to an unauthorized audio output device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2022
The CVE-2015-8479 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's audio subsystem that fundamentally compromises memory safety and system stability. This vulnerability exists in the AudioOutputDevice::OnDeviceAuthorized function located in media/audio/audio_output_device.cc, where improper memory management creates conditions that allow attackers to manipulate heap memory through crafted audio device access attempts. The flaw specifically manifests when Chrome processes audio output device authorization requests, creating a window where freed memory objects can be accessed or reused by malicious code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where program memory is accessed after it has been freed. Attackers exploit this by triggering the OnDeviceAuthorized function with maliciously constructed audio device parameters, causing Chrome to free memory associated with audio output devices while simultaneously allowing subsequent access to that same memory region. This creates a heap corruption scenario that can manifest as denial of service conditions or potentially enable more sophisticated exploitation vectors. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can lead to arbitrary code execution depending on memory layout and exploitation conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects all versions of Google Chrome prior to 47.0.2526.73 and represents a significant risk to users who frequently interact with audio devices or encounter audio-related web content. The attack surface expands when considering that web browsers serve as primary attack vectors in modern threat landscapes, with this vulnerability potentially enabling adversaries to escalate privileges or gain persistent access to systems. The exploitation complexity is relatively low since it requires only triggering audio device authorization events, which can occur through standard web browsing activities or malicious web pages that attempt to enumerate or manipulate audio devices.
The vulnerability's implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent audio-based command execution channels. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations and implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious audio device enumeration patterns. Browser hardening measures including sandboxing, strict memory access controls, and regular security updates form essential defensive layers. The remediation approach must include comprehensive browser update management programs and user education regarding safe browsing practices to minimize exposure to this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.