CVE-2022-0301 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2022
Heap buffer overflow in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 97.0.4692.99 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
This heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the DevTools component of Google Chrome versions prior to 97.0.4692.99 and represents a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution when combined with malicious browser extensions. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the DevTools rendering pipeline where crafted HTML content can trigger memory corruption through heap-based buffer overflows. Attackers can leverage this weakness by convincing users to install a malicious browser extension that, when activated, loads a specially crafted HTML page designed to exploit the buffer overflow condition. The technical implementation involves memory allocation patterns that fail to properly bounds-check data before writing to allocated heap memory regions, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent attack vector through browser extensions that users may unknowingly install. The exploitation requires social engineering to convince victims to install malicious extensions, but once installed, the attacker gains significant control over the victim's browsing environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage combined with T1176 for Browser Extensions to maintain persistence. The flaw affects Chrome's DevTools functionality which is commonly used by developers but also provides an attack surface when misused in malicious contexts.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate patching requirement and broader security hygiene practices. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Chrome version 97.0.4692.99 or later to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict browser extension policies that require vetting and verification of all installed extensions can significantly reduce risk exposure. Network-based protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls may help detect and block malicious HTML pages attempting exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on unusual DevTools activity patterns and suspicious extension installations. Regular security awareness training for users helps prevent social engineering success by educating them about the risks of installing untrusted browser extensions. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign developer tools can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malformed input conditions, highlighting the importance of robust memory safety practices in modern web browsers.
This heap buffer overflow vulnerability represents a classic example of how complex software components can introduce security risks through inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices. The flaw specifically manifests when Chrome's DevTools processes HTML content without sufficient validation, allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory allocation patterns through carefully crafted input sequences that exceed intended buffer boundaries. The exploitation chain requires both malicious extension installation and subsequent page loading, but the underlying vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, credential theft, or further system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) indicates fundamental memory safety issues that require comprehensive remediation through improved input validation and proper memory management practices in the browser's DevTools implementation.