CVE-2017-15406 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A stack buffer overflow in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 62.0.3202.75 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 • 03/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15406 represents a critical stack buffer overflow within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 62.0.3202.75. This flaw resides in the engine's handling of memory operations during JavaScript execution, specifically when processing crafted HTML content that triggers improper memory management. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome's V8 engine processes malicious HTML content that contains specially crafted JavaScript code or DOM manipulations. During normal execution, the engine allocates stack memory for various operations including function calls, local variables, and temporary data storage. However, in this specific case, the engine fails to properly validate array bounds or memory access patterns, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed input. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read operation that can be triggered remotely through a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for remote code execution capabilities within the context of web browsing. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious HTML pages that, when loaded in vulnerable Chrome versions, automatically trigger the buffer overflow condition. The attack vector operates entirely through standard web protocols without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised webpage. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries use web-based exploits to gain initial access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects all users of Chrome versions prior to 62.0.3202.75, making it a widespread concern across the user base.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential pathways for privilege escalation and persistent access to affected systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this buffer overflow, they can manipulate program execution flow to redirect code execution to malicious payloads. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the attacker can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack memory locations. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Organizations using vulnerable Chrome versions face significant exposure to targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15406 primarily focus on immediate remediation through Chrome version updates. Google released version 62.0.3202.75 with patches addressing the stack buffer overflow in V8, making it essential for organizations to implement timely security updates across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, content security policies, and browser hardening configurations that limit potential attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all endpoints are running patched versions of Chrome to prevent successful exploitation attempts.