CVE-2024-0806 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2024
Use after free in Passwords in Google Chrome prior to 121.0.6167.85 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via specific UI interaction. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic use-after-free condition that affects the password management functionality within Google Chrome browsers. The flaw exists in the handling of password-related data structures where memory allocated for password storage or display operations is freed from memory but subsequently accessed by the application. Such conditions typically arise when the application fails to properly track the lifecycle of dynamically allocated memory objects, creating opportunities for malicious code to manipulate freed memory regions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free errors in memory management. These issues occur when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. In the context of password management, this represents a particularly concerning vector as it could enable attackers to access sensitive credential information or manipulate the password storage system itself. The vulnerability requires specific user interaction through the graphical user interface, making it a remote code execution threat that could be exploited through malicious web content or phishing attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potential credential compromise and system access. Attackers could leverage this heap corruption vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to stored passwords, potentially escalating privileges or accessing other sensitive user data. The medium severity classification according to Chromium security guidelines indicates that while exploitation requires user interaction, the potential consequences are significant enough to warrant immediate attention. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where compromised credentials could lead to broader network infiltration and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 121.0.6167.85 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies that prioritize browser security updates, particularly those addressing memory corruption vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious interactions with password management interfaces, implementing user behavior monitoring to identify unusual credential access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of browser configurations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection techniques, and T1566 for social engineering attacks that could leverage such vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting plugin execution, and establishing strict access controls for password management functions. Regular security awareness training for users can help prevent exploitation through social engineering vectors that might attempt to trigger the vulnerable UI interaction.