CVE-2017-15388 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Iteration through non-finite points in Skia in Google Chrome prior to 62.0.3202.62 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15388 represents a critical memory safety issue within the Skia graphics library component of Google Chrome browser. This flaw exists in versions prior to 62.0.3202.62 and specifically manifests when the browser processes crafted HTML content that involves iteration through non-finite mathematical points. The Skia graphics library serves as a core component responsible for rendering graphics in Chrome, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the browser's rendering engine. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking during mathematical operations involving infinite or undefined numerical values, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory access patterns that should otherwise be protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a remote code execution vector through crafted HTML pages that trigger specific mathematical operations within the Skia library. When Chrome encounters HTML content that references non-finite points such as infinity or NaN values during graphics rendering, the iterative processing logic fails to properly validate input parameters. This leads to an out of bounds memory read condition where the application attempts to access memory locations outside the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the intersection of mathematical computation and memory management, where standard input validation does not adequately protect against edge cases involving non-finite numerical values. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, while also relating to CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can result from similar mathematical processing errors.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15388 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from memory locations or cause browser instability through controlled memory access patterns. Remote attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected Chrome versions, trigger the vulnerable code path without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site. The exploitation process typically involves creating HTML content that includes JavaScript or CSS properties that reference non-finite mathematical points, which then propagate through the Skia rendering pipeline. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1203 for exploitation of web applications, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users are unknowingly exposed to malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate browser updates to versions 62.0.3202.62 or later, which contain patches addressing the bounds checking deficiencies in Skia's mathematical operations. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects all platforms where Chrome is deployed. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that limit the execution of potentially malicious scripts and using browser security extensions that provide additional filtering layers. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious HTML content patterns associated with this type of vulnerability. The fix implemented by Google involves strengthening input validation for mathematical operations and adding comprehensive bounds checking for all iterative processes involving numerical values, effectively closing the memory access window that previously allowed out of bounds reads to occur.