CVE-2017-15392 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient data validation in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 62.0.3202.62 allowed an attacker who can write to the Windows Registry to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted Windows Registry entry, related to PlatformIntegration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
This vulnerability resides in the V8 JavaScript engine component of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 62.0.3202.62. The issue stems from inadequate data validation mechanisms within the PlatformIntegration functionality that processes Windows Registry entries. The flaw represents a classic heap corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through malicious manipulation of registry data, creating a dangerous attack surface for privilege escalation and code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the V8 engine's insufficient sanitization of registry values during platform integration processes. When Chrome attempts to read and process Windows Registry entries, the validation logic fails to properly verify the structure and content of these entries before processing them in memory. This weakness allows an attacker with write permissions to the Windows Registry to craft specifically formatted registry values that trigger memory corruption during the parsing phase. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the Windows Registry as an attack vector, which is a fundamental system component that many applications interact with regularly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems where Chrome is installed with elevated privileges or where registry modification is possible through other attack vectors. The exploitation scenario requires an attacker who can write to the Windows Registry, which might be achieved through various means including phishing attacks that install malicious software, compromised user accounts with registry access, or through lateral movement techniques that grant registry modification capabilities. The heap corruption aspect means that successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control or escalate privileges within the affected environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input data, and demonstrates how inadequate input sanitization can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. From an attacker's methodology standpoint, this flaw would typically be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Registry manipulation and T1068 for local privilege escalation. The attack chain would involve registry modification followed by Chrome process execution to trigger the memory corruption, potentially leading to system compromise. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader registry security practices and ensure comprehensive patch management programs that address browser-related security issues promptly.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment to Chrome version 62.0.3202.62 or later, which contains the necessary validation improvements. Additionally, organizations should implement registry monitoring and access controls to limit write permissions to critical registry locations, particularly those that might be processed by browser applications. Network segmentation and user privilege management can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should include evaluation of browser-related vulnerabilities and their potential impact on system integrity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation in system components that interact with potentially untrusted data sources, particularly in environments where multiple applications may process similar data structures.