CVE-2022-3039 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/26/2022
Use after free in WebSQL in Google Chrome prior to 105.0.5195.52 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3039 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's WebSQL implementation that existed prior to version 105.0.5195.52. This issue stems from improper memory management practices within the browser's handling of WebSQL database operations, creating a scenario where freed memory could be accessed after it had been deallocated. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted HTML page triggers specific database operations that lead to memory corruption. WebSQL, despite being deprecated in favor of IndexedDB, remained supported in Chrome for backward compatibility, making this a persistent attack surface for threat actors targeting legacy web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the use-after-free condition to execute arbitrary code within the browser context. When a WebSQL database operation is performed and subsequently freed from memory, the application continues to reference that memory location, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite the freed memory with malicious data. This memory corruption can then be leveraged to execute code with the privileges of the browser process, effectively compromising the user's system. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack vector requires user interaction through a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3039 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to full system compromise. An attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive user data, install malware, or establish persistent access through the compromised browser. The vulnerability affects all Chrome versions prior to 105.0.5195.52, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not yet updated their browser deployments. The exploitation requires no special privileges beyond browser access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with deprecated web technologies and highlights the importance of timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3039 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 105.0.5195.52 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the use-after-free condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling WebSQL support entirely through configuration policies can provide an additional layer of protection. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and web application firewalls that can detect malicious HTML content targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include user education about avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software to prevent successful exploitation attempts.