CVE-2019-5847 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in JavaScript in Google Chrome prior to 75.0.3770.142 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5847 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within Google Chrome's JavaScript engine that existed prior to version 75.0.3770.142. This issue stems from an inadequate implementation of JavaScript handling mechanisms that allows remote attackers to manipulate memory structures through maliciously crafted HTML content. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser rendering and JavaScript execution, creating a pathway for adversaries to exploit memory management vulnerabilities in the browser's core components. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution when successfully exploited.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in how Chrome processes certain JavaScript constructs within HTML documents, specifically involving heap memory allocation and deallocation patterns. Attackers can craft HTML pages containing malicious JavaScript code that triggers improper memory handling when the browser attempts to parse and execute these constructs. The vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the JavaScript engine's memory management system, particularly around heap allocation strategies and object lifetime management. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 as "Heap Overflow" and represents a classic example of improper memory handling that can result in heap corruption. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's system. When successfully exploited, the heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the browser process, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors who can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities can be leveraged in real-world attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5847 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates to the affected versions. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome to version 75.0.3770.142 or later, which includes the necessary fixes for the heap corruption vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious HTML content before it reaches users. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual JavaScript execution patterns and memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.