CVE-2017-5053 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 57.0.2987.133 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 57.0.2987.132 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page, related to Array.prototype.indexOf.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5053 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome. This issue affects multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android platforms, with specific version thresholds indicating the vulnerability existed in Chrome versions prior to 57.0.2987.133 for desktop platforms and 57.0.2987.132 for Android. The flaw resides in the Array.prototype.indexOf method implementation, which is a fundamental JavaScript array manipulation function widely used across web applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the V8 engine's handling of array operations. When processing crafted HTML pages that invoke Array.prototype.indexOf with maliciously constructed parameters, the engine fails to validate array boundaries properly, leading to memory access violations. This out-of-bounds read condition creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the browser's sandboxed environment. The vulnerability specifically leverages the JavaScript engine's internal memory management mechanisms to bypass security boundaries that normally isolate web content from system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to users since it enables remote code execution without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network security measures. The sandbox escape capability means that successful exploitation could potentially allow attackers to gain access to user data, system resources, or even execute malicious payloads with elevated privileges depending on the target system configuration. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques categorized under the attack pattern of sandbox escapes and privilege escalation within browser environments.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-5053 involves immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to the patched releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should prioritize updating their Chrome installations across all supported platforms to ensure protection against this specific exploit. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict content security policies, enabling sandboxing features, and maintaining updated browser security configurations. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-129 for improper validation of array indices. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping browser software up to date and maintaining robust security hygiene practices across all digital environments.