CVE-2017-5132 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 62.0.3202.62 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, aka incorrect WebAssembly stack manipulation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5132 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 62.0.3202.62. This issue stems from an inappropriate implementation that specifically affects WebAssembly stack manipulation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw exists in the underlying JavaScript engine's handling of WebAssembly operations, which are designed to provide near-native performance for web applications through a binary instruction format. When a maliciously crafted HTML page is loaded, the vulnerable V8 engine fails to properly validate stack operations during WebAssembly execution, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in how V8 manages stack frames and memory allocation during WebAssembly function calls and execution contexts. This vulnerability specifically targets the stack manipulation mechanisms that are crucial for maintaining memory integrity during complex computational operations. The improper handling of stack boundaries and memory layout during WebAssembly processing creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory regions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The issue falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can occur when improper bounds checking is performed on heap or stack memory regions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of WebAssembly code that can manipulate stack pointers in ways that bypass normal memory protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5132 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged across multiple attack surfaces. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Chrome versions, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's trusted execution environment, where it can access sensitive user data and system resources. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of web shells and browser-based attack vectors, and demonstrates how modern web browsers serve as prime attack surfaces for sophisticated adversaries. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user interaction, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access malicious websites through phishing campaigns or compromised web services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5132 primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates to Chrome version 62.0.3202.62 or later, which includes patched implementations of WebAssembly stack handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems are updated promptly, as this vulnerability affects all supported operating systems where vulnerable Chrome versions are installed. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict WebAssembly execution, utilizing sandboxing technologies that isolate browser processes, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious WebAssembly code patterns. Network-level defenses should monitor for suspicious WebAssembly-related traffic patterns, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan for potentially malicious HTML pages containing crafted WebAssembly constructs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds and implementing automated vulnerability scanning processes that can identify systems running vulnerable browser versions, as the attack surface for such memory corruption vulnerabilities continues to expand with increasingly sophisticated exploitation techniques.