CVE-2023-4762 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
Type Confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.179 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical type confusion issue within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The flaw exists in how the engine handles type information during runtime execution, creating a scenario where the system incorrectly interprets data types, leading to potentially exploitable memory corruption conditions. Such type confusion vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can allow attackers to manipulate the execution flow of legitimate programs by forcing the system to treat data as if it were of a different type than it actually is. The vulnerability affects versions prior to Chrome 116.0.5845.179 and represents a high-severity threat according to Chromium's security classification.
The technical implementation of this type confusion occurs within V8's object handling mechanisms where the engine fails to properly validate type transitions during JavaScript execution. When processing crafted HTML content, attackers can manipulate object layouts and type information in ways that bypass normal safety checks. This allows malicious code to exploit the difference between expected and actual data types, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the JavaScript engine encounters certain patterns of object manipulation that cause it to incorrectly assume an object's type, creating a pathway for attackers to overwrite memory locations or execute malicious instructions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, trigger the type confusion condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This creates a significant risk for users who browse the web without proper security measures, as the attack surface is extremely broad and can be delivered through standard web content. The vulnerability's classification as high severity indicates that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 116.0.5845.179 or later where the type confusion issue has been addressed through improved type validation and memory safety mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, though this particular issue is more specifically categorized under type confusion patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and anomalous browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated exploitation techniques that target core engine components.