CVE-2018-6157 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Type confusion in WebRTC in Google Chrome prior to 68.0.3440.75 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted video file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6157 represents a critical type confusion flaw within the WebRTC implementation of Google Chrome browser versions prior to 68.0.3440.75. This issue stems from improper handling of data types during video processing operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted video content. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome processes video files that contain malformed or unexpected data structures, leading to unpredictable behavior in memory management operations.
This type confusion vulnerability operates at the core of Chrome's WebRTC subsystem which handles real-time communication protocols for audio and video streaming. The flaw occurs when the browser's JavaScript engine fails to properly validate data types during runtime operations, particularly when processing video frames or media streams. According to CWE-466, this vulnerability maps directly to improper handling of data types where the system attempts to use an object of one type in a context expecting another type. The confusion leads to memory corruption as the system interprets heap memory in unintended ways, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6157 extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged for remote code execution in the context of the victim's browser. Attackers can craft malicious video files that, when opened or played within Chrome, trigger the type confusion error. The heap corruption resulting from this vulnerability can be exploited through techniques such as return-oriented programming or stack pivoting, depending on the target system architecture and memory layout. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because WebRTC functionality is commonly used in web applications, making the attack surface extremely broad across various online services and platforms.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through browser-based exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that users need only visit a malicious website or open a crafted video file to be compromised, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The exploit requires minimal user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior, increasing its effectiveness and potential for widespread impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6157 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 68.0.3440.75 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the type confusion issue. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary WebRTC functionality when not required, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms to limit potential exploitation impact. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious video content, while user education regarding safe browsing practices remains essential. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and heap corruption indicators that may signal exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and type safety in multimedia processing systems, emphasizing that even seemingly benign file formats can serve as attack vectors when not properly sanitized and validated.