CVE-2023-4351 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2023
Use after free in Network in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.96 allowed a remote attacker who has elicited a browser shutdown to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within Google Chrome's network component that could enable remote code execution under specific circumstances. The flaw exists in the browser's handling of memory management during network operations, specifically when processing crafted HTML content that triggers a browser shutdown sequence. The vulnerability is classified as high severity by Chromium security standards, indicating significant potential for exploitation in real-world scenarios. The issue arises from improper memory deallocation practices where freed memory blocks are still referenced or accessed by subsequent operations, creating opportunities for heap corruption that attackers can leverage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition or improper state management within Chrome's network subsystem where memory allocated for network operations is freed prematurely while still being referenced by active processes or callbacks. When a crafted HTML page is loaded, it can trigger specific network events that cause the browser to initiate shutdown procedures while network components remain in an inconsistent state. This creates a window where freed memory locations may be reallocated and subsequently accessed by malicious code, leading to heap corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it requires specific user interaction patterns that make it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks. Attackers must craft HTML pages that can trigger the exact sequence of events leading to the memory corruption, typically involving network requests, page navigation, and shutdown processes occurring in a precise order. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring local system access, making it a significant threat vector for phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. The fact that exploitation requires eliciting a browser shutdown suggests that the vulnerability may be more prevalent in environments where users frequently interact with potentially malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate browser updates to versions containing the patched code, as well as implementing network-based security controls that can detect and block malicious HTML content. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome installations to version 116.0.5845.96 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Browser hardening measures including sandboxing, content security policies, and restricted permissions can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which addresses use-after-free conditions, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through browser-based attacks. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation typically involves specific memory corruption patterns that may be detectable through behavioral analysis.