CVE-2017-5087 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A use after free in Blink in Google Chrome prior to 59.0.3071.104 for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and 59.0.3071.117 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via a crafted HTML page, aka an IndexedDB sandbox escape.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5087 represents a critical use after free condition within the Blink rendering engine of Google Chrome, affecting multiple platform versions prior to specific patch releases. This flaw exists in the IndexedDB implementation which is part of the web browser's storage mechanisms for handling structured data within web applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the browser processes crafted HTML pages that trigger improper memory management during IndexedDB operations, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory corruption patterns.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation within the Blink engine's IndexedDB sandbox environment. When a malicious HTML page triggers specific conditions during IndexedDB database operations, the browser's memory management system fails to properly track object references, leading to a situation where freed memory locations are still accessed by subsequent operations. This use after free condition creates a predictable memory state that attackers can manipulate to execute arbitrary code or perform out of bounds memory reads, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the IndexedDB sandbox.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5087 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote code execution through crafted web content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escape the IndexedDB sandbox and potentially gain access to sensitive user data or system resources. The vulnerability affects all supported platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android versions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple operating environments. The out of bounds memory read capability allows attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from memory, including user credentials, session tokens, or other confidential data stored within the browser's memory space.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use after free condition as a common memory safety issue in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, specifically mapping to the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" under the broader category of "Initial Access" and "Execution" phases. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users might inadvertently encounter crafted HTML content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5087 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Chrome browser versions, with users upgrading to Chrome 59.0.3071.104 or later for Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, and version 59.0.3071.117 for Android devices. Browser administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all users receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as sandboxing, which provides an additional layer of protection even if other security measures fail. Organizations should also consider implementing web filtering solutions and network-based protections to block access to known malicious domains that might host exploit code for this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and rapid response to emerging threats in the browser security landscape.