CVE-2017-5080 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A use after free in credit card autofill in Google Chrome prior to 59.0.3071.86 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-2017-5080 represents a critical use after free condition within Google Chrome's credit card autofill functionality on Linux and Windows platforms. This flaw existed in Chrome versions prior to 59.0.3071.86 and enabled remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted HTML pages that triggered memory corruption. The issue stems from improper memory management during the handling of credit card information within the browser's autofill system, creating a scenario where freed memory could be accessed beyond its intended lifecycle. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited without user interaction, making them ideal candidates for automated attacks in the wild.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic use after free exploit pattern where the browser's credit card autofill component allocates memory for storing credit card data and subsequently frees that memory when the data is no longer needed. However, the application fails to properly nullify pointers to the freed memory, allowing an attacker to manipulate the memory layout and redirect execution flow. When the attacker crafts an HTML page that triggers the autofill functionality in a specific manner, the freed memory can be reused and accessed out of bounds, potentially leading to information disclosure, arbitrary code execution, or system compromise. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-416, which defines use after free conditions as a critical memory safety issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5080 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to read memory contents beyond the intended boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information such as credit card numbers, personal identification data, or other stored credentials. The attack vector requires only a malicious webpage to be loaded in Chrome, making it particularly dangerous for users who browse untrusted websites. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, steal banking credentials, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where the exploitation could lead to command execution through memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5080 primarily focus on immediate system updates and browser patches to address the underlying memory management flaw. Users should immediately upgrade to Chrome version 59.0.3071.86 or later, which includes proper memory handling fixes for the credit card autofill component. Additionally, organizations should implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and browser behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper memory management practices in preventing remote code execution exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing browser security extensions and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.