CVE-2017-5044 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap buffer overflow in filter processing in Skia in Google Chrome prior to 57.0.2987.98 for Mac, Windows, and Linux and 57.0.2987.108 for Android 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 • 12/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5044 represents a critical heap buffer overflow within the Skia graphics library component of Google Chrome browsers across multiple platforms. This flaw exists in the filter processing functionality where improper bounds checking allows malicious input to trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 57.0.2987.98 on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, while Android versions remain impacted until 57.0.2987.108. The security issue stems from insufficient validation of filter parameters during image processing operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through web-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML page containing specially designed filter parameters that exceed the allocated heap buffer boundaries. This buffer overflow manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read operation, which can potentially lead to information disclosure, denial of service, or in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the memory layout and exploitation techniques employed. The flaw resides in the Skia graphics library's implementation of filter processing functions where input validation fails to properly constrain the size and parameters of filter operations before memory allocation occurs. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5044 extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's system environment. Remote code execution capabilities, if successfully exploited, could allow threat actors to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that organizations must implement immediate remediation across all supported operating systems, including mobile environments. The attack vector through crafted HTML pages makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it susceptible to drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5044 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to patched versions that contain the necessary memory bounds checking and input validation fixes. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome installations across all affected platforms to version 57.0.2987.98 or later for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and 57.0.2987.108 or later for Android systems. Additionally, network security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems should be configured to block access to known malicious domains and implement strict HTML sanitization policies. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust memory safety practices in graphics libraries and highlights the need for continuous security testing of third-party components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for layered defenses including browser hardening, network segmentation, and regular security assessments to prevent successful exploitation attempts.