CVE-2019-13696 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use after free in JavaScript in Google Chrome prior to 77.0.3865.120 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the JavaScript engine of Google Chrome affecting versions prior to 77.0.3865.120. The flaw occurs within the browser's JavaScript execution environment where a freed memory object is still being accessed, creating a dangerous state that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that have historically led to numerous security exploits in web browsers and other software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a crafted HTML page that triggers specific conditions in the JavaScript engine's memory management system. When the browser processes malicious JavaScript code, it can cause objects to be freed from memory while still being referenced elsewhere in the execution flow. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory location to inject malicious code or manipulate the program's execution flow. The heap corruption aspect indicates that the memory layout becomes unstable, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The exploit can potentially lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, representing a classic remote code execution vector through web browsers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 77.0.3865.120 and later where the use-after-free condition has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all browser installations are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing technologies that limit the damage potential of successful exploits. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices in JavaScript engines, particularly around object lifecycle management and reference counting mechanisms that could lead to similar issues in the future.