CVE-2022-3446 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
Heap buffer overflow in WebSQL in Google Chrome prior to 106.0.5249.119 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3446 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within Google Chrome's WebSQL implementation that existed prior to version 106.0.5249.119. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests within the browser's handling of WebSQL database operations, which are part of the deprecated but still functional web storage APIs that allow web applications to store data locally within the browser.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious web page crafts specific HTML content that triggers improper memory handling during WebSQL database operations. The heap buffer overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking when processing user-supplied data within the WebSQL engine's memory management routines. Attackers can craft malicious HTML pages that, when loaded in the vulnerable Chrome browser, cause the application to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries of heap-allocated buffers. This memory corruption can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing remote attackers to take control of the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3446 is significant given Chrome's widespread adoption and the privileged nature of web browsers in executing potentially malicious code from untrusted sources. The vulnerability operates under the principle of remote code execution through web-based attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments or links. Users browsing the internet or visiting compromised websites could unknowingly trigger this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users interact with untrusted web content. The high severity classification reflects the potential for complete system compromise and the ease with which attackers can exploit this flaw through standard web browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3446 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 106.0.5249.119 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the heap buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as sandboxing, which provides an additional layer of isolation for WebSQL operations, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious WebSQL-related requests. Browser hardening configurations should also be considered, including disabling unnecessary web APIs and implementing strict content security policies that limit the execution of potentially malicious code within the browser environment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping web browsers updated and the risks associated with deprecated web APIs that may still be present in modern browser implementations.