CVE-2017-5116 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, 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-2017-5116 represents a critical type confusion flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 on Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, and 61.0.3163.81 on Android devices. This vulnerability resides in the core JavaScript execution engine that processes web content, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The issue stems from improper handling of object types during JavaScript execution, creating conditions where the engine incorrectly interprets data types, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when a program uses a variable or object in a manner inconsistent with its actual type, often resulting in memory layout confusion that can be exploited by attackers. In this specific case, the flaw allows an attacker to craft a malicious HTML page that, when loaded in Chrome, triggers the vulnerable code path within V8. The vulnerability specifically affects the sandboxed environment where JavaScript code executes, meaning that even though the code runs in a restricted context, the type confusion allows attackers to bypass sandbox protections and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
The technical impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes null pointer dereference, though the actual implementation involves more complex type handling issues that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through a simple web page delivery mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site. The exploitation chain typically involves creating a crafted JavaScript object that, when processed by V8, causes the engine to misinterpret memory layouts and execute attacker-controlled code. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1070.004 for bypassing security controls through sandbox escape mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5116 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Chrome's security architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates how flaws in the JavaScript engine can undermine the entire security model of a modern browser, as the V8 engine is responsible for executing untrusted code from web pages. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face significant risk of remote code execution attacks that could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or persistence mechanisms. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that enterprises with diverse operating systems must urgently apply patches, as the same exploit can work across Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android environments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering can be minimized. Security teams must prioritize patch deployment and consider implementing additional browser security controls, including content security policies and sandbox hardening, to protect against exploitation attempts that may occur before full patch adoption.