CVE-2018-12294 in WebkitGTK+
Summary
by MITRE
WebCore/platform/graphics/texmap/TextureMapperLayer.cpp in WebKit, as used in WebKitGTK+ prior to version 2.20.2, is vulnerable to a use after free for a WebCore::TextureMapperLayer object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12294 represents a critical use after free flaw in WebKit's graphics rendering subsystem that affects WebKitGTK+ versions prior to 2.20.2. This issue resides within the TextureMapperLayer.cpp file which manages texture mapping operations for web content rendering. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where a WebCore::TextureMapperLayer object is freed from memory but continues to be referenced or accessed by subsequent operations, creating a scenario where attackers can exploit this dangling pointer to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the handling of complex graphics operations within the WebKit rendering engine. When processing certain web content that involves texture mapping and layer management, the WebCore::TextureMapperLayer object undergoes a premature deallocation while still being referenced by other components in the graphics pipeline. This memory management error creates a window where malicious code can manipulate the freed memory location to overwrite critical data structures or inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the graphics rendering context where memory corruption can lead to privilege escalation and remote code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to encompass significant security risks for users of affected WebKitGTK+ implementations. Attackers can leverage this use after free condition to perform remote code execution against vulnerable systems, potentially compromising user data and system integrity. The exploitation typically requires crafting specific web content that triggers the problematic code path, making it a sophisticated attack vector that targets the graphics processing components rather than traditional web exploitation methods. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for web applications that handle untrusted content and for environments where users may encounter malicious web pages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12294 require immediate patching of affected WebKitGTK+ installations to version 2.20.2 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and content filtering to reduce exposure to potentially malicious web content that could trigger this vulnerability. The fix addresses the underlying memory management issue by ensuring proper object lifecycle management and preventing the premature deallocation of TextureMapperLayer objects. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with memory corruption attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a technique that could be mapped to ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (execution) through remote code execution capabilities.