CVE-2019-5881 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds read in SwiftShader in Google Chrome prior to 77.0.3865.75 allowed a remote attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information from process memory via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-5881 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within SwiftShader, a software rasterization library that Google Chrome utilizes for graphics rendering when hardware acceleration is unavailable or disabled. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 77.0.3865.75 and exposes a fundamental memory safety weakness that could potentially allow remote attackers to extract sensitive information from process memory. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing crafted HTML content that triggers improper bounds checking within the SwiftShader implementation. The affected component operates as part of Chrome's graphics pipeline, handling rendering operations that require precise memory management to prevent unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checks within SwiftShader's rendering routines. When Chrome processes HTML content containing maliciously crafted elements, the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits, leading to memory reads that extend beyond allocated boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. The attacker can exploit this by constructing a malicious webpage that, when loaded in Chrome, triggers the vulnerable code path within SwiftShader, causing the application to read memory locations that should remain inaccessible to the rendering process.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5881 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in nearby memory locations. The attack vector requires only a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous as users could be compromised simply by visiting an infected site. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through web-based attacks, and represents a classic example of how graphics rendering libraries can become attack surfaces for information leakage. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability could potentially lead to more severe consequences if combined with other exploitation techniques, though the immediate risk is primarily focused on data exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5881 primarily involve updating Chrome to version 77.0.3865.75 or later, which includes patches that address the bounds checking deficiencies in SwiftShader. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures by ensuring all Chrome installations are updated to the patched versions. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web filters and content security policies to prevent access to known malicious domains that may host exploit code. Browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript or restricting access to local resources can provide additional defense layers, though these approaches may impact usability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics libraries and the risks associated with software rasterization components that handle untrusted input. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of browser environments and component updates remain critical for preventing similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in production systems.