CVE-2017-5055 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A use after free in printing in Google Chrome prior to 57.0.2987.133 for Linux and Windows 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 • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5055 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome's printing functionality affecting versions prior to 57.0.2987.133 on both Linux and Windows operating systems. This issue stems from improper memory management within the browser's rendering engine where freed memory blocks are still being accessed after the memory has been deallocated, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the printing component of Chrome, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of web browsers for accessing internet content. The flaw falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a severe memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution or information disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML page that triggers the printing functionality in Chrome. When the browser processes this crafted page, it executes a sequence that leads to a use-after-free condition within the memory management system. This particular flaw allows for out-of-bounds memory reads, meaning that the attacker can access memory locations that should not be accessible, potentially revealing sensitive information such as memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign browser features can become attack vectors when memory management is not properly handled, particularly in complex systems that must maintain security across multiple platforms and operating environments. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this vulnerability affects both Linux and Windows platforms, increasing the potential impact across different user bases.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5055 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant threat to user privacy and system security. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the browser's memory, potentially including session cookies, user credentials, or other confidential data that might be stored in memory during printing operations. The remote nature of the attack means that users could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, without any additional interaction required from the victim. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where attackers can exploit the flaw without user awareness. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as the memory corruption could enable attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges through the execution of malicious code in the browser environment. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability increases the attack surface significantly, as it affects both desktop operating systems that users commonly interact with.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5055 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Chrome versions, as Google released version 57.0.2987.133 to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all users have the latest security patches installed, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple browsers may be in use. Additional protective measures include implementing browser hardening techniques such as enabling sandboxing features, disabling unnecessary browser components, and configuring content security policies to limit potential attack vectors. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual printing activities or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and vulnerability management programs, as it demonstrates how even specialized browser features like printing can become security risks when not properly secured against memory management errors. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software updated.