CVE-2022-1496 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
Use after free in File Manager in Google Chrome prior to 101.0.4951.41 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via specific and direct user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the file manager component of google chrome versions prior to 101.0.4951.41. The flaw occurs when the browser processes file operations within its file management interface, creating a scenario where memory allocated to file objects becomes accessible after it has been freed from the heap. This specific vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-416 which defines use-after-free conditions as a class of memory safety issues. The attack vector requires direct user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to perform specific actions within the browser environment such as opening malicious files or navigating to compromised web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides potential remote code execution capabilities to attackers who can craft malicious file operations. When the freed memory is reallocated and accessed by subsequent operations, attackers can manipulate the heap layout to achieve arbitrary code execution within the chrome browser process. This represents a significant escalation from typical memory corruption vulnerabilities because it operates at the privilege level of the browser itself, potentially allowing for complete system compromise through techniques such as process injection or information disclosure.
The specific exploitation scenario involves an attacker creating or manipulating files that when processed by chrome's file manager trigger the use-after-free condition during memory management operations. This type of vulnerability typically manifests in complex heap manipulation attacks where attackers can control the contents of freed memory blocks before they are reallocated, potentially allowing for overwrite attacks that modify function pointers or other critical data structures within the browser process. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques through memory corruption vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the chrome browser's sandboxed environment where such exploits can bypass security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected chrome versions to 101.0.4951.41 or later, which includes memory safety improvements and heap management fixes. Organizations should also implement additional browser hardening measures such as enabling chrome's built-in memory protection features and maintaining strict update schedules for all browser components. Network-based protections can include content filtering solutions that block suspicious file types and web content known to trigger such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates in browser environments where complex file handling operations create numerous potential attack surfaces that require constant monitoring and patching to maintain secure operation against advanced persistent threats.