CVE-2022-0308 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2022
Use after free in Data Transfer in Google Chrome on Chrome OS prior to 97.0.4692.99 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific user interaction to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting Google Chrome's data transfer functionality on Chrome OS systems prior to version 97.0.4692.99. The flaw occurs within the browser's handling of data transfer operations and can be exploited through a specially crafted HTML page that triggers memory corruption during user interaction scenarios. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, where memory allocated to a data transfer object is freed but subsequently accessed by malicious code, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation involves Chrome's JavaScript engine and its interaction with the underlying operating system's data transfer mechanisms. When a user visits a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML elements that trigger specific data transfer operations, the browser's memory management fails to properly track object references after deallocation. This allows attackers to manipulate heap memory layout by controlling the timing and nature of subsequent memory allocations, potentially leading to code execution with the privileges of the Chrome process. The vulnerability specifically impacts Chrome OS environments where the data transfer API is utilized for clipboard operations or file transfers between web applications and system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to perform remote code execution on targeted systems without requiring local access. Attackers can leverage this flaw through social engineering techniques, convincing users to visit malicious websites that contain the exploit payload. The attack vector requires user interaction, typically through visiting a compromised webpage or clicking on malicious links, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. Successful exploitation could result in full system compromise with potential access to user data, browser sessions, and network communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Chrome version 97.0.4692.99 or later, which includes memory management fixes and proper object reference tracking. Organizations should also implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and maintain comprehensive monitoring for suspicious browser activity. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, as attackers would need to leverage the heap corruption to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing measures and privileged access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.