CVE-2024-4559 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2024
Heap buffer overflow in WebAudio in Google Chrome prior to 124.0.6367.155 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4559 represents a critical heap buffer overflow within the WebAudio component of Google Chrome browsers. This flaw exists in versions prior to 124.0.6367.155 and constitutes a high-severity issue according to Chromium security assessments. The vulnerability manifests when processing crafted HTML pages that leverage WebAudio APIs, creating conditions where memory corruption can occur in the heap memory management system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the WebAudio implementation when handling specific audio processing operations. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger memory allocation patterns leading to buffer overflows in heap memory regions. When the browser processes these malformed audio elements, the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical data structures or executable code within the browser process memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides remote attackers with potential pathways for arbitrary code execution. The heap buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents in ways that could lead to privilege escalation or complete browser compromise. This risk is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing with social engineering. The exploitation typically follows a pattern where attackers deliver malicious web content through compromised websites or malicious advertisements that trigger the vulnerable WebAudio processing code path.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate browser updates to version 124.0.6367.155 or later, which contain patches addressing the heap overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious web content patterns. Additionally, browser hardening measures including sandboxing configurations and strict content security policies can provide additional defense layers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all systems remain protected against similar heap-based memory corruption vulnerabilities that may emerge in other browser components or web technologies.