CVE-2023-0701 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
Heap buffer overflow in WebUI in Google Chrome prior to 110.0.5481.77 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI interactions to potentially exploit heap corruption via UI interaction . (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
This heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the WebUI component of Google Chrome versions prior to 110.0.5481.77, representing a medium severity issue according to Chromium security classifications. The flaw manifests when a remote attacker successfully persuades a user to perform specific user interface interactions that trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within heap memory management during UI rendering processes, creating a potential exploitation vector for heap corruption attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory regions where insufficient validation permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a potential pathway for remote code execution when combined with successful social engineering tactics. Attackers could craft malicious web content or manipulate user interactions to trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the Chrome browser context. The medium severity classification indicates that while exploitation requires user interaction and specific conditions, the potential for system compromise remains significant given the privileged nature of browser processes and the extensive access capabilities they possess. The vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires an attacker to convince a user to interact with malicious content or perform specific UI actions that trigger the heap overflow condition. The attack vector is classified as remote due to the nature of web-based exploitation, though it requires user engagement to complete the attack chain. The heap corruption occurs during WebUI processing where insufficient input validation allows data to overflow allocated memory buffers, potentially overwriting critical memory structures. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to versions 110.0.5481.77 or later, which contain the necessary patches addressing the heap buffer overflow. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures including restricted browsing environments, content security policies, and user education to reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.