CVE-2018-6073 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A heap buffer overflow in WebGL in Google Chrome prior to 65.0.3325.146 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6073 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's WebGL implementation that existed prior to version 65.0.3325.146. This vulnerability specifically affects the graphics processing capabilities of the browser through its WebGL API which enables web applications to render interactive 2D and 3D graphics within web browsers without requiring additional plugins. The flaw manifests when Chrome processes crafted HTML pages that contain malicious WebGL commands, creating a condition where memory operations exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the WebGL rendering pipeline. When a malicious web page triggers specific graphics operations through WebGL commands, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer sizes before performing memory write operations. This allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated heap memory regions, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of graphics processing and memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6073 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution on affected systems. This vulnerability can be leveraged through drive-by download attacks where simply visiting a compromised website containing malicious WebGL content is sufficient to trigger the exploit. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior, making it highly effective for mass deployment. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a remote code execution threat that could allow attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or take complete control of affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6073 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 65.0.3325.146 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the heap buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious WebGL content, enabling sandboxing features within the browser, and deploying network monitoring tools to detect anomalous memory access patterns. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web shells and T1595.001 for remote access through browser exploitation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. The vulnerability also corresponds to CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety that requires proper bounds checking and input validation to prevent exploitation. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening configurations and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web-based applications and services.