CVE-2024-3157 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2024
Out of bounds memory access in Compositing in Google Chrome prior to 123.0.6312.122 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the GPU process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via specific UI gestures. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within Chrome's compositing subsystem that could enable sandbox escape when combined with GPU process compromise. The issue affects Google Chrome versions prior to 123.0.6312.122 and demonstrates the dangerous intersection of memory safety violations and privilege escalation vectors in modern browser architectures. The vulnerability specifically targets the compositing component responsible for rendering complex user interface elements and managing graphics operations across multiple processes. When an attacker successfully compromises the GPU process, they can leverage this memory access violation to potentially break out of the restricted sandbox environment that normally isolates browser components from the underlying operating system.
The technical nature of this flaw involves improper bounds checking during compositing operations where memory access occurs beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient input validation or memory management errors in graphics rendering code that handles UI gestures and visual elements. The Chromium security severity classification of High reflects the potential for remote code execution and system compromise when combined with existing GPU process exploitation capabilities. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, both of which are classified as high-risk memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it creates a pathway for attackers to bypass the fundamental security model of modern browsers. Browser sandboxes are designed to contain malicious code within isolated processes, but this vulnerability demonstrates how a flaw in one component can undermine the entire security architecture. When combined with other exploitation techniques targeting the GPU process, attackers can potentially achieve full system compromise without requiring additional privileges or complex attack chains. The UI gesture aspect suggests that user interaction may be required to trigger the vulnerable code path, though the sandbox escape capability remains a serious concern. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactics including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables attackers to execute code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 123.0.6312.122 or later, which includes memory safety improvements and bounds checking enhancements in the compositing subsystem. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual GPU process behavior and memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary UI features and implementing strict process isolation policies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider deploying exploit prevention technologies and network monitoring tools to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper bounds checking and memory validation in the compositing component, ensuring that all memory operations remain within allocated buffer boundaries and preventing unauthorized access to system resources.