CVE-2017-5019 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A use after free in Google Chrome prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5019 represents a critical use after free condition in Google Chrome's rendering engine that affected multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android. This flaw resides within the browser's handling of memory management during HTML page processing, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability specifically impacts Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for desktop platforms and 56.0.2924.87 for Android devices, making it a widespread concern across the Chrome user base. The underlying issue stems from improper memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to freed memory locations, a classic pattern that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components that process HTML elements containing specific memory management patterns. When Chrome encounters crafted HTML content that triggers a particular sequence of object creation, deletion, and access operations, it fails to properly track memory references. This allows an attacker to manipulate the heap memory structure by freeing objects that are still referenced elsewhere in the code execution path. The flaw typically manifests when the browser processes complex DOM manipulations or JavaScript objects that involve memory allocation patterns susceptible to race conditions or improper garbage collection. According to CWE-416, this vulnerability maps directly to use after free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, a well-documented weakness in memory management systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5019 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a potent vector for remote exploitation that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected Chrome versions, trigger the heap corruption condition and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This vulnerability enables a range of attack scenarios including credential theft, system reconnaissance, and deployment of additional malware payloads. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability's impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation could lead to persistent access and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5019 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to patched versions that address the underlying memory management issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly given the vulnerability's remote exploitation capability. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious HTML content, deploying browser security extensions that provide additional sandboxing, and establishing network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping browser software updated and demonstrates how memory corruption flaws can serve as primary attack vectors in modern exploit chains. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about visiting untrusted websites and clicking on suspicious links, as these remain common initial infection vectors for such vulnerabilities.