CVE-2018-6092 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow on 32-bit systems in WebAssembly in Google Chrome prior to 66.0.3359.106 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6092 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 66.0.3359.106, specifically manifesting on 32-bit systems that process WebAssembly bytecode. This issue resides within the WebAssembly implementation within Chrome's JavaScript engine, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate integer values beyond their intended range, ultimately leading to memory corruption and potential arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within the sandboxed environment designed to isolate WebAssembly execution from the underlying system, effectively undermining the security boundaries that Chrome employs to protect users from malicious web content.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during WebAssembly module processing, where integer overflow conditions occur when handling certain data structures or memory allocations. When Chrome processes a crafted WebAssembly module on 32-bit architectures, the overflow can cause memory addresses to wrap around or exceed maximum limits, creating opportunities for buffer overflows or memory corruption. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The exploitability is significantly enhanced on 32-bit systems due to the limited address space and the way integer arithmetic behaves in these environments, making the attack surface more predictable and accessible to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6092 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation or data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within Chrome's sandboxed environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could craft a malicious HTML page containing specially constructed WebAssembly code that triggers the integer overflow when loaded in a vulnerable Chrome browser. This attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks or watering hole campaigns. The vulnerability affects all 32-bit Chrome installations, including those on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, creating a broad attack surface that security teams must address promptly. This flaw demonstrates the inherent risks in modern browser security models where sandboxing mechanisms can be bypassed through carefully crafted exploits targeting underlying implementation details.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6092 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 66.0.3359.106 or later, which contain patches that address the integer overflow conditions in WebAssembly processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly on systems that cannot immediately transition to 64-bit architectures. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies that restrict WebAssembly loading from untrusted sources, deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious WebAssembly content, and monitoring for unusual browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving sandbox escapes and privilege escalation, specifically covering T1055.011 for process injection and T1059.007 for WebAssembly-based attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary WebAssembly features, restricting JavaScript execution, and employing sandbox monitoring tools that can detect anomalous memory access patterns consistent with integer overflow exploitation attempts.