CVE-2019-13700 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds memory access in the gamepad API in Google Chrome prior to 78.0.3904.70 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13700 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within Google Chrome's gamepad API implementation. This vulnerability existed in Chrome versions prior to 78.0.3904.70 and specifically targeted the renderer process, which serves as the primary execution environment for web content. The flaw manifests when a malicious HTML page attempts to interact with gamepad input devices through the browser's JavaScript API, creating a scenario where memory operations exceed allocated boundaries. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially achieve heap corruption, a condition that fundamentally compromises memory integrity and can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first compromise the renderer process, typically through a separate initial attack vector such as a cross-site scripting vulnerability or a zero-day exploit in another component. Once inside the renderer process, the attacker can craft a malicious HTML page that triggers the gamepad API with malformed input data. The API implementation fails to properly validate input parameters or bounds checking when processing gamepad device information, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise. This type of attack follows the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which involves command and scripting interpreter execution through web browsers, and T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. The heap corruption aspect of this vulnerability particularly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.006, which covers data manipulation through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13700 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a potential pathway for full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. The renderer process in Chrome operates with limited privileges by default, but successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain access to system resources that should remain protected. This vulnerability particularly affects users running older versions of Chrome where automatic updates have not been applied, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the flaw. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently visit untrusted websites or where social engineering attacks are common. Organizations using Chrome as their primary browser are especially vulnerable, as the attack surface includes all web-based interactions that might trigger the gamepad API.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13700 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates, as Google released Chrome version 78.0.3904.70 to address the vulnerability. System administrators should implement mandatory update policies and ensure that all Chrome installations are current with security patches. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing and privilege separation can provide additional protection layers, though these measures alone do not prevent exploitation of this specific vulnerability. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious HTML content, while user education regarding suspicious website visits and phishing attempts can reduce the likelihood of initial compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a heap corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploit prevention technologies such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and API calls that might indicate exploitation attempts, with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique providing a useful reference for monitoring browser-based command execution patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Chrome installations.