CVE-2019-13764 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Type confusion in JavaScript in Google Chrome prior to 79.0.3945.79 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical type confusion flaw in Google Chrome's JavaScript engine that could enable remote code execution through malicious web pages. The issue stems from improper handling of object types during JavaScript execution, specifically within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Chrome's web browser. When processing crafted HTML content, the engine fails to properly validate type information during object operations, leading to situations where an object's memory layout becomes corrupted due to incorrect type assumptions. This type confusion vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate memory in ways that could lead to arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts where users may encounter malicious content without explicit awareness. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 79.0.3945.79, representing a significant window of exposure for users who had not yet received the security patch.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the JavaScript engine's object allocation and type handling mechanisms. When Chrome processes JavaScript code containing maliciously crafted objects, the engine's type inference system can become confused about an object's actual type versus its expected type. This confusion occurs during operations that involve object property access, method invocation, or memory allocation patterns. The heap corruption arises when the engine attempts to write data to memory locations that do not match the expected object type, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions or corrupting object metadata. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign JavaScript operations can be exploited to manipulate the underlying memory management system, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation to represent a significant threat vector for advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks. Attackers could craft malicious web pages that, when visited by unsuspecting users, would trigger the type confusion scenario and execute malicious payloads. The remote nature of this attack means that users need only visit a compromised website to be at risk, making it particularly effective for drive-by download attacks or watering hole campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage browser-based attacks to gain initial access or execute malicious code. Organizations using older Chrome versions remain exposed to this risk, as the vulnerability exists in the fundamental JavaScript engine rather than in specific browser features or extensions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate Chrome version updates to 79.0.3945.79 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the type confusion issue. Security administrators should implement automated update mechanisms to ensure all systems receive the latest security patches promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution from untrusted sources, using sandboxing techniques to limit potential damage from successful exploits, and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-466 indicates it involves improper handling of object types during program execution, which aligns with common software security weaknesses that can lead to memory corruption issues. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and browser security extensions that can detect and block suspicious JavaScript patterns that might be indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of Chrome versions to ensure all systems are protected against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.