CVE-2018-6142 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Array bounds check failure in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 67.0.3396.62 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2018-6142 represents a critical array bounds check failure within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 67.0.3396.62. This flaw exists in the engine's handling of memory operations when processing crafted PDF files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through memory corruption. The issue stems from insufficient validation of array indices during JavaScript object manipulation, specifically when Chrome's PDF rendering functionality interacts with maliciously constructed document elements.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. When a user opens a specially crafted PDF file, the V8 engine fails to properly validate array bounds during memory allocation operations, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended array boundaries. This memory corruption occurs during the processing of JavaScript objects embedded within PDF documents, particularly when the PDF contains malicious JavaScript code that triggers the flawed memory handling routine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious PDF files on web servers or delivering them through social engineering campaigns, requiring no user interaction beyond opening the document. The vulnerability affects all versions of Chrome prior to 67.0.3396.62, making it particularly dangerous as it was present in widely deployed browser versions. This flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6142 primarily involve immediate browser updates to Chrome version 67.0.3396.62 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the array bounds checking deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in older versions. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious PDF content, implementing strict browser security policies that disable JavaScript for untrusted content, and utilizing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing content filtering solutions that can identify and block known malicious PDF files, while security monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.