CVE-2024-7972 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2024
Inappropriate implementation in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 128.0.6613.84 allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7972 represents a critical memory safety issue within the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. This flaw exists in versions prior to 128.0.6613.84 and stems from an inappropriate implementation that fails to properly validate memory access boundaries during JavaScript execution. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices or buffer bounds, making it a direct descendant of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically enabled arbitrary code execution. The issue manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML page that triggers improper memory access patterns within the V8 engine's memory management system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JavaScript objects and arrays in ways that bypass normal memory access controls. When the V8 engine processes maliciously constructed JavaScript code, it fails to properly validate array bounds or memory allocation parameters, allowing attackers to access memory locations outside of intended boundaries. This out-of-bounds memory access can result in information disclosure, denial of service, or potentially remote code execution depending on the specific memory corruption pattern. The Chromium security severity rating of Medium indicates that while the vulnerability may not immediately enable full system compromise, it presents sufficient risk to warrant immediate patching due to its potential for escalation through chained exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7972 extends beyond simple browser exploitation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the memory safety mechanisms that protect modern web browsers from malicious content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous as users may encounter malicious content through social engineering, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, which aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in the victim's context. This makes the attack surface particularly broad as it can be delivered through any vector that results in user interaction with malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7972 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Chrome versions, with Google releasing updates to version 128.0.6613.84 and later that include memory validation improvements in the V8 engine's array handling routines. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected browser installations across their networks and implement browser hardening measures such as enabling sandboxing features and restricting JavaScript execution in sensitive environments. Network-level protections can include web application firewalls that detect and block known malicious patterns, though the vulnerability's nature as an out-of-bounds memory access makes it particularly challenging to detect through traditional signature-based methods. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of continuous security testing and fuzzing of JavaScript engines, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project's emphasis on proper input validation and secure coding practices. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and consider deploying exploit prevention tools that can detect and block suspicious JavaScript behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts against similar memory safety vulnerabilities.