CVE-2023-5482 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2023
Insufficient data validation in USB in Google Chrome prior to 119.0.6045.105 allowed a remote attacker to perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5482 represents a critical memory safety issue within Google Chrome's USB handling mechanisms that existed prior to version 119.0.6045.105. This flaw falls under the category of insufficient data validation, specifically affecting the browser's processing of USB-related data structures when rendered through web pages. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome encounters crafted HTML content that attempts to manipulate USB device interactions, creating conditions where memory access occurs beyond the bounds of allocated buffers. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through malicious web pages without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised site.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within Chrome's USB subsystem where the browser fails to properly verify the size and content of data structures received from web pages. When a malicious HTML page attempts to interact with USB devices through the browser's JavaScript APIs, the insufficient validation allows attackers to craft data sequences that cause the browser's memory management system to access invalid memory locations. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable behavior including potential code execution, browser crashes, or data leakage. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of data structures, and represents a classic out-of-bounds memory access scenario that has been documented across numerous browser security issues.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users who browse the internet regularly, as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through compromised websites, phishing campaigns, or even through compromised advertising networks. The Chromium security severity classification of High indicates the potential for serious impact including arbitrary code execution, which could allow attackers to take complete control of affected systems. The vulnerability affects all users running Chrome versions prior to the patched release, making it a widespread concern across both individual users and enterprise environments that rely on Chrome for web browsing activities.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-5482 involves immediate updating of Google Chrome to version 119.0.6045.105 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the insufficient data validation in USB handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing content security policies that restrict USB access from untrusted domains, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary USB permissions for web applications. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of web applications that may interact with USB devices through browser interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through custom code implementations. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates how seemingly isolated components like USB handling can present significant security risks when proper input validation is absent.