CVE-2017-5112 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap buffer overflow in WebGL in Google Chrome prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Windows allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5112 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within the WebGL implementation of Google Chrome browser versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the graphics processing subsystem that handles WebGL graphics rendering operations, specifically within the memory management functions responsible for handling heap allocations. The flaw manifests when the browser processes specially crafted HTML pages containing malicious WebGL content that triggers improper memory handling during graphics operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a remote code execution vector where an attacker can craft a malicious webpage that, when loaded in the vulnerable Chrome browser, causes the WebGL implementation to write beyond the bounds of allocated heap memory. This heap buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially manipulate the program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's sandboxed environment, yet the overflow can be leveraged to escape these security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking in the WebGL graphics processing code that fails to validate the size and boundaries of memory allocations during graphics rendering operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be weaponized against unsuspecting users. Attackers can deliver malicious WebGL content through various delivery mechanisms including compromised websites, email attachments, or malicious advertisements that trigger the vulnerability when users browse to affected pages. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download attacks. The vulnerability affects Windows users specifically, indicating that the heap management implementation in the Windows version of Chrome contained a flaw that was not present in other operating system variants, possibly due to platform-specific memory allocation routines.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5112 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 61.0.3163.79 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the heap buffer overflow in WebGL implementations. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all users have updated browsers and consider deploying additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious WebGL content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant concern in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of 'Exploitation for Execution' where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Security teams should also implement browser hardening measures including disabling WebGL when not required, using security extensions, and monitoring for unusual graphics-related memory allocations that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated remote code execution attacks that target graphics processing components.