CVE-2017-5131 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow in Skia in Google Chrome prior to 62.0.3202.62 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, aka an out-of-bounds write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5131 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Skia graphics library component of Google Chrome browsers. This issue affects versions prior to 62.0.3202.62 and demonstrates how seemingly benign graphics processing operations can be weaponized for remote code execution. The flaw exists in the way Skia handles certain integer calculations during graphic rendering operations, creating conditions where an attacker can manipulate input data to cause arithmetic overflow. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the Skia graphics library implementation. When processing crafted HTML content, the library performs integer arithmetic operations that can exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used. This overflow condition results in a negative or excessively large integer value that subsequently gets used as an array index or memory allocation size. The resulting out-of-bounds write operation corrupts adjacent memory regions within the browser process heap, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5131 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with potential paths to achieve remote code execution within the context of the browser process. Attackers can craft malicious HTML pages that, when loaded in vulnerable Chrome versions, trigger the integer overflow condition and subsequently exploit the resulting heap corruption to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the browser's rendering pipeline, meaning that users need only visit a compromised website to be at risk. The attack surface is broad as any web content that utilizes graphics rendering capabilities could potentially be leveraged, including images, vector graphics, and even CSS properties that trigger complex rendering operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 62.0.3202.62 and later, where the integer overflow has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious HTML content, utilizing browser security features such as sandboxing and content security policies, and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in graphics processing libraries, as well as the need for regular security assessments of third-party components that form part of browser ecosystems. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening configurations that restrict graphics-related functionality for untrusted content, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.