CVE-2017-5114 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate use of partition alloc in PDFium in Google Chrome prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit memory corruption via a crafted PDF file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-5114 represents a critical memory corruption issue within PDFium, the PDF rendering library used by Google Chrome and other applications. This flaw manifests in the improper handling of partition allocation mechanisms when processing maliciously crafted PDF files, creating opportunities for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android platforms, demonstrating its widespread impact across the Chrome ecosystem. The issue specifically impacts Chrome versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 for desktop platforms and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, highlighting the urgency for system administrators to apply patches promptly.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the partition alloc implementation within PDFium's memory management system. When parsing PDF documents, the library uses partition allocation to manage memory blocks for various data structures including graphics objects, text elements, and embedded resources. The flaw occurs when the partition allocator fails to properly validate memory boundaries during allocation and deallocation operations, particularly when handling malformed PDF structures. This mismanagement can lead to heap-based memory corruption where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates under CWE-122, which classifies improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the browser context.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5114 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can bypass modern security mitigations. Remote attackers can craft PDF files containing specifically designed payloads that trigger the memory corruption when opened in vulnerable Chrome versions. These attacks typically require no user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making them particularly dangerous for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further amplified by the fact that PDFium is widely used across multiple applications, meaning that exploitation could affect not only Chrome but also other software products that rely on the same library. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The memory corruption can manifest as heap spraying techniques or use-after-free conditions that allow attackers to overwrite function pointers or control structures within the application's memory space.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5114 primarily focus on immediate patch application and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Chrome installations to versions 61.0.3163.79 or later for desktop platforms and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the partition allocation vulnerability. Additionally, implementing content security policies that restrict PDF handling and disabling PDF viewing in web browsers can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and sandboxing mechanisms can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end-user systems. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous PDF processing behavior or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-122 emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and memory boundary checking in software development practices, while ATT&CK framework guidance suggests implementing process isolation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation.