CVE-2022-0604 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2022
Heap buffer overflow in Tab Groups in Google Chrome prior to 98.0.4758.102 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension and engage in specific user interaction to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Tab Groups functionality of google chrome versions prior to 98.0.4758.102 which presents a significant security risk when combined with malicious extension installation and specific user interaction patterns. this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries in the heap allocation region. the flaw specifically affects chrome's tab management system that handles group operations for browser tabs through a complex javascript environment that interfaces with underlying c++ code components.
the attack scenario requires multiple compromise vectors to achieve successful exploitation, beginning with convincing a user to install a malicious extension that can manipulate tab group functionality. once installed, the attacker must orchestrate specific user interactions that trigger the vulnerable code path within chrome's tab groups implementation. this typically involves manipulating tab group creation, modification, or deletion operations that pass unvalidated data through javascript interfaces into c++ memory management functions. the heap corruption occurs when crafted html content containing maliciously constructed tab group data is processed by the browser engine, leading to potential memory overwrite conditions that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
the operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows attackers to potentially execute malicious code within the context of the chrome browser process. this creates opportunities for data theft, persistent backdoor establishment, and further system compromise through techniques such as credential harvesting or lateral movement. the attack surface is particularly concerning because tab groups are commonly used browser features that naturally occur during normal user browsing activities, making user interaction requirements more feasible than typical exploitation scenarios. according to att&ck framework tactic ta0002 execution and technique t1059 command and script interpreter, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute code through legitimate system processes while bypassing many traditional security controls.
mitigation strategies should focus on immediate chrome version updates to 98.0.4758.102 or later where the heap buffer overflow has been patched. organizations should implement strict extension approval policies and user education programs to prevent installation of untrusted browser extensions that could serve as initial compromise vectors. additional protective measures include browser hardening configurations such as disabling unnecessary tab group functionality, implementing content security policies, and monitoring for unusual tab management activities. network-based detection can be achieved through signature-based rules targeting the specific memory corruption patterns associated with this vulnerability, while endpoint detection solutions should monitor for suspicious javascript-to-native code transitions that indicate potential exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in complex browser environments where javascript interfaces with low-level memory management systems, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of user interaction pathways in modern web browsers.