CVE-2024-7969 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2024
Type Confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 128.0.6613.84 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 • 03/13/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical type confusion issue within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The flaw manifests as a heap corruption vulnerability that can be triggered through maliciously crafted HTML content, enabling remote code execution in the context of the browser's sandboxed environment. The vulnerability stems from improper type handling during JavaScript object operations, where the engine fails to properly validate type consistency when processing dynamic object properties and method calls. This type confusion allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. The Chromium security severity rating of High reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The issue affects versions prior to Chrome 128.0.6613.84, indicating that the vulnerability has existed for several release cycles and represents a fundamental flaw in the V8 engine's type system implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the type confusion to manipulate object layouts in memory, potentially causing heap corruption that can be chained with other primitives to achieve remote code execution. Attackers can craft HTML pages containing malicious JavaScript code that triggers specific object creation patterns, leading to memory corruption through improper type validation during object property access or method invocation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser's JavaScript engine, which has extensive access to system resources and can interact with various browser APIs. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-471 category of "Incorrectly Handling of Different Types" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution. The memory corruption occurs at the V8 engine level, making it difficult to detect through traditional sandboxing mechanisms since the exploitation happens within the legitimate execution context of the JavaScript interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass the browser's security model and execute malicious code with the same privileges as the browser process, which typically has access to user data, network resources, and system files. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users browse the internet with elevated privileges or where browser sessions are used to access sensitive corporate or personal data. The remote nature of the attack means that victims do not need to interact with malicious files or install software, as the exploitation can occur simply by visiting a compromised website. Organizations that rely on Chrome-based browsers for productivity and security are at risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements that render the affected HTML content in the browser. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a sophisticated understanding of the V8 engine's memory management and type system, making it a target for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploit campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates to the affected versions. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome to version 128.0.6613.84 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the type confusion issue. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls can help reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking malicious content before it reaches users. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, restricting access to sensitive APIs, and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network traffic patterns or attempts to access known malicious domains. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that mitigation measures are effective. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping browser software updated regularly, as it represents a class of issues that are typically addressed through security patches rather than configuration changes. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of exposure to known vulnerabilities.