CVE-2017-5115 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Windows allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit object corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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-2017-5115 represents a critical type confusion flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 on Windows platforms. This issue stems from improper handling of object types during JavaScript execution, creating a scenario where the engine incorrectly manages memory references and object structures. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted HTML page is loaded, potentially allowing remote attackers to manipulate object memory layouts and execute arbitrary code. The type confusion occurs at the interpreter level where V8 fails to properly validate type consistency when objects are being processed, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns that can be exploited for privilege escalation or code execution.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, though in this case the issue involves improper type handling rather than null references. The flaw specifically affects the V8 engine's object allocation and management mechanisms, where the JavaScript engine does not adequately verify object type consistency during dynamic operations. Attackers can leverage this by constructing HTML pages that trigger specific JavaScript execution paths, causing the engine to corrupt object memory structures through type confusion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime candidate for drive-by attacks that can compromise user systems through standard web browsing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5115 extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a fundamental flaw in Chrome's JavaScript engine security model. This vulnerability enables attackers to potentially bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The attack vector through crafted HTML pages means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter compromised content. The vulnerability affects all Windows users running Chrome versions below the patched threshold, creating a widespread exposure that could be leveraged for targeted attacks against specific organizations or for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 61.0.3163.79 or later, which includes the necessary type validation fixes for the V8 engine. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider deploying automated patch management systems to ensure all systems receive timely security updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious content, using content security policies to limit script execution, and deploying browser sandboxing technologies that isolate web content execution from system resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities and remote code execution, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial compromise occurs. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based detection measures to identify attempts to exploit the type confusion flaw in V8 engine implementations.