CVE-2019-5853 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in JavaScript in Google Chrome prior to 76.0.3809.87 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-2019-5853 represents a critical heap corruption issue within Google Chrome's JavaScript engine that existed prior to version 76.0.3809.87. This flaw stems from an inappropriate implementation in the browser's JavaScript processing capabilities, specifically affecting how the engine handles memory allocation and deallocation during script execution. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML page that, when loaded in the affected browser, triggers memory corruption conditions in the JavaScript engine's heap management system. Such heap corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution, making them highly attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to compromise user systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in web browsers. When Chrome processes the crafted HTML content, the JavaScript engine fails to properly validate memory operations, leading to situations where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. This improper memory handling allows for potential exploitation through techniques such as heap spraying or memory layout manipulation. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5853 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates a pathway for sophisticated attack vectors that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects all users of affected Chrome versions, creating a widespread attack surface that security teams must address immediately. Organizations relying on Chrome for web browsing operations face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious advertisements, compromised websites, or spear-phishing campaigns. The heap corruption nature also means that exploitation may not always be immediately apparent, potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistence or conduct reconnaissance before executing more destructive payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5853 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 76.0.3809.87 or later, which contain patches addressing the heap corruption implementation flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects the browser's core JavaScript processing capabilities. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection layers, though these should not replace proper browser updates. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as heap corruption exploits often generate distinctive memory access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of browser sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms, as proper implementation of these security features could limit the impact of such exploits even if they were to be successfully delivered. Regular security assessments of web browsing environments should include verification of Chrome versions and implementation of automated update mechanisms to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.