CVE-2017-5024 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
FFmpeg in Google Chrome prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows and Mac, failed to perform proper bounds checking, which allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted video file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5024 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within the FFmpeg multimedia framework that was integrated into Google Chrome browser versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 across Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. This issue stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the video processing pipeline, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically affects how Chrome handles multimedia content through its embedded FFmpeg library, which is responsible for decoding various video and audio formats. Attackers could craft malicious video files designed to trigger the heap corruption during normal playback operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw manifests when the FFmpeg library fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations during video decoding processes. When processing specially crafted video files, the library attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, causing heap corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves execution through scripting languages, as attackers could potentially use this flaw to inject and execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5024 extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that could be weaponized through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web content. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that users across different operating systems were equally at risk, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with diverse computing environments. Attackers could exploit this flaw by simply enticing users to visit compromised websites or open malicious video files, requiring no additional user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. The remote exploitation capability means that threat actors could deploy this vulnerability at scale without needing physical access to target systems, making it a preferred vector for widespread attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5024 primarily involve updating Google Chrome to version 56.0.2924.76 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies in the FFmpeg library. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as content filtering systems that can identify and block suspicious multimedia content before it reaches end users. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that automatic playback of multimedia content is restricted, and users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Additional defensive measures include deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for exploitation attempts and implementing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as this flaw existed for several months before the official fix was released.