CVE-2023-2133 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
Out of bounds memory access in Service Worker API in Google Chrome prior to 112.0.5615.137 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 • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2133 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within the Service Worker API implementation in Google Chrome browsers. This issue affects versions prior to 112.0.5615.137 and constitutes a high-severity vulnerability according to Chromium's security classification. Service Workers function as background processes that enable web applications to intercept network requests and manage caching, making them integral components for modern web application functionality. The flaw manifests when processing maliciously crafted HTML pages that trigger improper memory handling within the browser's service worker execution environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during memory operations within the Service Worker API implementation. When a malicious webpage attempts to manipulate service worker functionality through crafted HTML content, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries. This memory corruption occurs in the heap memory region where service worker objects are allocated and managed, creating potential pathways for attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause unexpected application behavior. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between JavaScript execution context and the underlying browser engine's memory management subsystem, particularly when service worker registration and execution occurs.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2133 extends beyond simple browser instability, presenting significant security risks to users of affected Chrome versions. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a victim's browser, triggers the flawed memory handling logic. Successful exploitation could lead to heap corruption, which may result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the browser process. This represents a serious escalation vector since browsers typically operate with extensive system access rights, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive user data, perform unauthorized actions, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects all users of affected Chrome versions regardless of their security awareness or protective measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2133 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 112.0.5615.137 or later where the memory access bounds checking has been properly implemented. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these security patches across all affected systems and implement automated update mechanisms to ensure timely remediation. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network-based protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls that can detect and block known malicious patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary service worker functionality for untrusted domains and implementing strict content security policies can provide additional defense layers. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories, while exploitation techniques may map to ATT&CK tactics including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.1001 Application Layer Protocol DNS. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious service worker registration patterns and implementing user education programs to avoid visiting untrusted websites that may host malicious content exploiting this vulnerability.