CVE-2017-5062 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A use after free in Chrome Apps in Google Chrome prior to 58.0.3029.81 for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and 58.0.3029.83 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted Chrome extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5062 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's handling of Chrome Apps across multiple operating systems and platforms. This security issue affects Chrome versions prior to 58.0.3029.81 for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, as well as Android versions prior to 58.0.3029.83. The flaw manifests in the improper memory management within Chrome's extension architecture, creating a scenario where freed memory blocks can be accessed and potentially manipulated by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Chrome Apps runtime environment which allows developers to create applications that run within the Chrome browser ecosystem, leveraging the browser's underlying infrastructure for various functionalities.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a Chrome extension processes certain inputs or performs operations that trigger the release of memory resources while simultaneously allowing code execution paths that attempt to access those same memory locations. This memory management error creates a race condition where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory block before it gets reallocated to a different purpose, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within the Chrome extension sandbox environment, which typically provides limited privileges to extensions but can be exploited to gain broader system access. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, making it a well-documented and serious class of vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5062 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged by attackers to compromise user systems. Attackers could craft malicious Chrome extensions that, when installed and executed by unsuspecting users, would trigger the use-after-free condition and potentially allow for privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that users across different operating systems are equally at risk, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that deploy Chrome-based applications. The exploitation requires a remote attacker to deliver a crafted Chrome extension, which could be distributed through various channels including malicious websites, extension stores, or social engineering campaigns. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1176 for "Browser Extensions") which covers the use of browser extensions for persistence and privilege escalation, and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as the compromised system could be used to execute further malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5062 primarily focus on immediate software updates and security hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Chrome versions 58.0.3029.81 or later for all supported platforms, ensuring that the update process includes verification of the integrity of downloaded binaries. System administrators should implement strict extension management policies, including disabling unnecessary Chrome Apps and extensions, and regularly auditing installed extensions for suspicious behavior. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security features such as sandboxing, content security policies, and strict extension installation controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and following the principle of least privilege when installing browser extensions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of Chrome extension environments and user behavior monitoring can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for continuous security updates and the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software to protect against known exploits, particularly those that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.