CVE-2018-17479 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect object lifetime calculations in GPU code in Google Chrome prior to 70.0.3538.110 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17479 represents a critical heap corruption issue within the graphics processing unit code of Google Chrome browser. This flaw stems from improper object lifetime management in the GPU rendering subsystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 70.0.3538.110. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome processes maliciously crafted HTML content that triggers incorrect memory management operations within the GPU process. The underlying issue lies in how the browser handles object references and memory deallocation when executing graphics-intensive operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption through improper reference counting or object lifecycle management within the GPU command processing pipeline. When Chrome renders web content containing malicious graphics operations, the GPU code fails to properly track object references, leading to situations where objects are freed while still being referenced or where memory is accessed after deallocation. This type of heap corruption vulnerability is classified under CWE-415 as double free errors or CWE-416 as use after free conditions, both of which represent fundamental memory safety issues in software implementations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of graphics processing and memory management, making it particularly challenging to detect and exploit.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution through web-based attacks, making it a significant threat to browser users. Attackers can craft HTML pages containing malicious WebGL or other graphics operations that trigger the flawed GPU code path when rendered by Chrome. The exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting the malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as it can lead to full system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how such memory corruption flaws can serve as initial access vectors for more sophisticated attacks.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2018-17479 involves immediate patching of Chrome browsers to version 70.0.3538.110 or later, which implements proper object lifetime management in the GPU code. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary graphics features, using sandboxing mechanisms, and employing content security policies to limit the attack surface. Network-level defenses can include web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems configured to detect suspicious graphics-related requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety practices in graphics-intensive software components and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of GPU-related code paths. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be prioritized to address similar issues in other browser components and third-party graphics libraries that may exhibit comparable memory management flaws.