CVE-2024-5844 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 06/12/2024
Heap buffer overflow in Tab Strip in Google Chrome prior to 126.0.6478.54 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5844 resides within the Tab Strip component of Google Chrome, representing a critical security flaw that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions. This vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 126.0.6478.54 and demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining memory safety within complex browser environments where multiple components interact dynamically. The issue stems from improper bounds checking during memory allocation and access operations within the tab strip rendering system, which handles the visual representation of browser tabs including their positioning, sizing, and interaction elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when Chrome processes specially crafted HTML content designed to trigger an out of bounds memory read operation. When a malicious webpage loads content that exploits the tab strip rendering logic, the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution. This flaw specifically impacts the heap memory management system where tab-related data structures are allocated and manipulated, creating a pathway for attackers to read sensitive memory locations or potentially overwrite critical program data. The Chromium security severity classification of Medium indicates the potential for significant impact given the accessibility of this attack vector through standard web browsing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5844 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the Chrome process. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites or receive malicious content through social engineering tactics, as the attack requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The exploitation potential aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where initial access through web-based payloads can lead to full system compromise. This vulnerability demonstrates the persistent threat landscape where browser-based attacks remain a primary vector for advanced persistent threats and enterprise security breaches, as highlighted in various ATT&CK framework categories including initial access and execution phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5844 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system updates to the patched Chrome version 126.0.6478.54 or later, which incorporates memory safety improvements and bounds checking enhancements specifically addressing the heap buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include browser hardening configurations, content security policy enforcement, and web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-121 heap buffer overflow condition by implementing proper input validation and memory boundary checks within the tab strip component, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow vulnerabilities as outlined in the CWE database. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous browser behavior, memory access patterns, and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems.