CVE-2017-5030 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect handing of complex species in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 57.0.2987.98 for Linux, Windows, and Mac and 57.0.2987.108 for Android allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML page.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5030 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine affecting multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android. This flaw resides within the engine's handling of complex species objects during JavaScript operations, specifically when processing array-like objects with intricate property configurations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within V8's internal implementation, creating a condition where maliciously crafted HTML pages can trigger unexpected memory corruption patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed HTML page that leverages JavaScript array methods and species patterns to manipulate V8's internal memory structures. When Chrome processes such malicious input, the V8 engine fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing attackers to write beyond allocated buffer limits. This memory corruption can be precisely controlled to overwrite critical memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other executable code locations. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits writes beyond allocated heap memory regions, and specifically maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution within browser environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks. An attacker can craft a malicious webpage that, when visited by an unsuspecting user, automatically exploits the vulnerability through the browser's JavaScript engine. The attack vector requires no user consent or privilege escalation since the exploit operates entirely within the browser's sandboxed environment. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects all supported versions of Chrome prior to the patched releases, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5030 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to the patched releases 57.0.2987.98 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 57.0.2987.108 for Android. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and maintain automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security fixes. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing content security policies, and using browser hardening techniques such as sandboxing and privilege separation. Network administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing browser security extensions that can detect and block suspicious JavaScript patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.