CVE-2018-6162 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Improper deserialization in WebGL in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 68.0.3440.75 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6162 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's WebGL implementation on macOS systems. This issue stems from improper deserialization practices within the WebGL graphics rendering component, creating a pathway for remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 68.0.3440.75, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Chrome as a primary web browser across various operating systems. The flaw specifically manifests in how Chrome handles serialized data during WebGL operations, where insufficient validation allows crafted malicious input to corrupt memory structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through heap corruption mechanisms that leverage the deserialization process in WebGL contexts. When a user visits a malicious webpage containing specially crafted HTML elements, the browser's WebGL implementation processes this data without adequate sanitization checks. This improper handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. The heap corruption aspect indicates that the vulnerability allows for memory management violations that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of web browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6162 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated vector for executing advanced persistent threats. The remote exploitation capability means that victims need only visit a malicious website to be compromised, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The macOS-specific nature of the vulnerability requires particular attention from organizations with significant mac user populations, though the underlying deserialization flaw could potentially affect other platforms if similar implementations exist. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access vectors in larger attack campaigns, where the compromised browser serves as a foothold for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within targeted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6162 primarily focus on immediate system updates and browser patching. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome to version 68.0.3440.75 or later, which includes fixes for the deserialization issues in WebGL components. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious WebGL content, enabling sandboxing features within the browser, and deploying content security policies that restrict potentially dangerous script execution. Network administrators should consider monitoring for suspicious WebGL-related traffic patterns and implementing browser security extensions that provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments of browser components and the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date patch management processes to protect against similar deserialization vulnerabilities that may emerge in other software components.