CVE-2022-2604 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2022
Use after free in Safe Browsing in Google Chrome prior to 104.0.5112.79 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2604 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's Safe Browsing implementation, specifically affecting versions prior to 104.0.5112.79. This vulnerability resides in the browser's security framework designed to protect users from malicious websites and downloads, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw manifests when the browser processes specially crafted HTML pages that trigger memory management issues within the Safe Browsing subsystem. According to CWE-416, this vulnerability directly maps to use-after-free conditions where memory is deallocated but subsequently accessed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The technical implementation involves improper handling of memory references within the browser's security checking mechanisms, where objects are freed from memory but references to them persist in memory structures. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to overwrite freed memory regions with malicious payloads, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The operational impact extends beyond simple browser compromise as Safe Browsing is a fundamental security feature that users trust to protect against threats, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread exploitation.
The exploitation of CVE-2022-2604 follows established patterns within the attack lifecycle defined by the ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving memory corruption and code execution. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability would typically craft malicious HTML pages that trigger the specific memory management flaw during Safe Browsing checks, potentially using techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability's remote nature means that victims need only visit a compromised webpage or click on malicious links to be at risk, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. Browser-based exploitation techniques often involve leveraging the browser's JavaScript engine to manipulate memory structures, with the use-after-free condition providing a reliable mechanism for attackers to gain control over program execution. The heap corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with common exploitation patterns where freed memory blocks are reused, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into memory locations that should no longer be accessible. This vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where legitimate security features can become attack vectors when memory management is not properly handled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2604 focus on immediate patch deployment and browser updates, as the most effective solution is upgrading to Chrome version 104.0.5112.79 or later where the memory management issues have been resolved. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly, particularly given the remote exploitation capabilities of this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as browser hardening configurations, content security policies, and sandboxing techniques to reduce the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety in browser security implementations and underscores the need for rigorous code review processes, particularly around memory management functions. Regular security assessments of browser components and proactive monitoring for similar memory corruption vulnerabilities can help identify and remediate issues before they can be exploited in the wild. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect outdated browser versions and alert administrators to potential exposure risks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or security controls while maintaining the integrity of the browser's security features.