CVE-2024-10488 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
Use after free in WebRTC in Google Chrome prior to 130.0.6723.92 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the WebRTC implementation within Google Chrome browsers prior to version 130.0.6723.92. The flaw exists within the browser's handling of WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) functionality which enables peer-to-peer communication directly between web browsers without requiring intermediate servers. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted HTML page triggers improper memory management during WebRTC object lifecycle operations, specifically when objects are freed from memory but still referenced elsewhere in the application's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs through memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. When WebRTC objects are destroyed but their memory addresses remain accessible to subsequent operations, an attacker can potentially overwrite critical memory locations with malicious data. This creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the browser sandbox, as the corrupted heap memory can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow or inject malicious payloads. The Chromium security severity classification of High indicates the vulnerability's potential for significant impact, particularly given WebRTC's widespread use in modern web applications for video conferencing, file sharing, and real-time communication services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, credential theft, and persistent browser-based malware installation. WebRTC's integration with web applications means that exploitation could occur through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly visit compromised websites. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability eliminates the need for local system access, allowing attackers to compromise systems from anywhere on the internet. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as the attack vector typically involves social engineering to lure users to malicious websites.
The vulnerability's root cause can be traced to improper memory management practices within the WebRTC implementation, specifically in how reference counting or garbage collection handles object destruction. This type of flaw typically maps to CWE-416 which describes the use of freed memory condition, and potentially CWE-122 which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security where sophisticated web APIs like WebRTC create additional attack surfaces that must be carefully managed. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions, implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and conduct security awareness training to help users recognize potentially malicious websites. Additionally, browser hardening measures including sandboxing and strict content security policies should be enforced to minimize the impact of potential exploitation attempts.