CVE-2019-5846 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds access in SwiftShader in Google Chrome prior to 73.0.3683.75 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-5846 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within SwiftShader, the software-based graphics rendering library integrated into Google Chrome browsers. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 73.0.3683.75 and exposes users to potential remote code execution risks through maliciously crafted HTML web pages. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the SwiftShader implementation that handles graphics processing operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed HTML page that triggers specific graphics rendering operations within the SwiftShader library. When Chrome processes such malicious content, the flawed memory access pattern causes the software to read or write beyond allocated memory boundaries, leading to heap corruption. This heap corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory structures or inject malicious code into the browser process. The flaw specifically manifests during graphics processing tasks where SwiftShader handles complex rendering operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where rich web content is prevalent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to end users and organizations relying on Chrome browsers for daily operations. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can compromise systems simply by convincing victims to visit malicious websites or click on compromised links in emails or messaging platforms. The heap corruption resulting from this flaw can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can manipulate the browser's memory space to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user devices to potentially affect enterprise environments where Chrome is the primary browser solution, creating widespread security implications.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as the exploitability of out-of-bounds memory access issues typically increases over time. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive browser updates across all affected systems, with particular attention to ensuring that SwiftShader components are properly updated. Security teams should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in defending against this class of vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index bounds, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that fall under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector demonstrates the common pattern of leveraging browser graphics libraries for privilege escalation and code execution, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices in graphics processing components. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw underscores the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing layered defense strategies to protect against sophisticated exploitation techniques targeting browser rendering engines.