CVE-2022-0603 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2022
Use after free in File Manager in Google Chrome on Chrome OS prior to 98.0.4758.102 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the file manager component of google chrome operating on chrome os systems. The flaw occurs when the browser processes crafted html content that triggers improper memory management during file operations. The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free error which falls under cwe-416 according to the common weakness enumeration catalog. When a malicious webpage attempts to manipulate file manager objects in memory, the system may continue to reference freed memory locations, creating opportunities for heap corruption attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects chrome os versions prior to 98.0.4758.102 where memory management safeguards were insufficient to prevent this type of exploitation.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the interaction between chrome's rendering engine and its file system abstraction layer. When processing malicious html content, the browser's file manager component may release memory associated with file objects while other processes still maintain references to those locations. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate the freed memory and potentially execute arbitrary code. The heap corruption occurs because the memory management system fails to properly track object references during file operations, allowing the attacker to overwrite critical memory structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to chrome os users who may encounter malicious web content without proper protection. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability through standard web browsing activities, requiring no local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, execute unauthorized code, or gain access to sensitive user data stored within the chrome os environment. The attack surface expands due to the widespread use of chrome os in enterprise and educational settings where users frequently browse the internet.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the attack technique framework, particularly those involving memory corruption attacks and privilege escalation. This flaw can be categorized under attack technique t1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and t1210 which involves exploitation of remote services through web browsers. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of technique t1190 related to exploitation of vulnerabilities in web browsers. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory chrome os updates to version 98.0.4758.102 or later, deployment of web application firewalls, and network monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browser software current with security patches. The fix implemented by google addresses the root cause by strengthening memory management controls within the file manager component, ensuring proper reference tracking and preventing access to freed memory locations during file operations.