CVE-2022-4174 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2022
Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 108.0.5359.71 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 • 12/24/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical type confusion flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The issue stems from improper handling of object types during JavaScript execution, specifically when the engine fails to properly validate type information during dynamic operations. Such type confusion vulnerabilities occur when the runtime system incorrectly treats data as belonging to one type while it actually belongs to another, creating opportunities for memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects versions prior to Chrome 108.0.5359.71 and represents a high-severity threat due to its potential for remote code execution through web-based attacks.
The technical flaw manifests when V8 processes JavaScript code containing crafted malicious constructs that manipulate object type information in unexpected ways. During normal JavaScript execution, V8 maintains internal type information to optimize performance and ensure memory safety. However, in this specific case, certain conditions allow an attacker to manipulate the type information stored in memory, causing the engine to misinterpret object contents. This type confusion leads to heap corruption where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass modern security mitigations including address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The heap corruption resulting from type confusion allows for sophisticated exploitation techniques such as return-oriented programming and stack pivoting. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be weaponized to deliver malware payloads, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The high severity classification reflects the ease of exploitation and the potential for widespread impact across all affected Chrome versions.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to Chrome version 108.0.5359.71 or later where the type confusion issue has been resolved through improved type validation mechanisms in the V8 engine. Security teams should also implement additional network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce exploitation risk. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-479 and CWE-470 categories related to improper handling of type information and code injection vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK perspective, this represents a technique for privilege escalation and initial access through web-based exploitation methods. Regular security assessments and monitoring for anomalous browser behavior should be maintained to detect potential exploitation attempts.