CVE-2024-7971 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 exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7971 represents a critical type confusion flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. This issue stems from improper handling of object types during runtime execution, creating conditions where the engine incorrectly interprets data types leading to memory corruption. The vulnerability affects versions prior to Chrome 128.0.6613.84 and is classified as high severity by Chromium security team, indicating significant risk to user systems. Type confusion vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution when exploited by remote attackers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in V8's object type handling mechanisms where the engine fails to properly validate or distinguish between different data types during dynamic operations. When processing crafted HTML content, the JavaScript engine may incorrectly assume an object is of one type while it actually contains data of another type, resulting in heap corruption. This type confusion occurs during memory management operations where the engine attempts to access or modify object properties using incorrect type information. The flaw typically manifests when JavaScript code interacts with complex object hierarchies or performs operations that trigger internal type transitions without proper validation checks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference, though the specific manifestation in this case involves type confusion rather than simple pointer dereference.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7971 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability through malicious websites or web applications. An attacker would need to craft a specific HTML page containing malicious JavaScript that triggers the type confusion condition, potentially leading to full system compromise. The heap corruption aspect means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, potentially enabling information theft, system control, or further attack vector establishment. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive malicious web-based content through phishing campaigns. The remote exploitation capability eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, making it a significant threat vector for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7971 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates to the latest stable versions. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome to version 128.0.6613.84 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved type validation mechanisms and enhanced memory management checks. Additionally, implementing security measures such as Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help reduce the attack surface by restricting script execution and limiting potential exploitation vectors. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing, strict memory protections, and automatic updates should be enabled to provide layered defense against similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious web content attempts targeting this vulnerability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving exploitation for privilege escalation and initial access through malicious web content, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against such attacks.