CVE-2024-9960 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Use after free in Dawn in Google Chrome prior to 130.0.6723.58 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9960 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Dawn graphics library component of Google Chrome. This flaw exists in versions prior to 130.0.6723.58 and constitutes a medium severity issue according to Chromium security assessments. The Dawn graphics library serves as a foundational component for WebGL and WebGPU implementations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for web-based graphics rendering operations. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management practices where freed memory locations are still being accessed or referenced by subsequent operations.
The technical exploitation of this use-after-free condition occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially designed HTML page that triggers specific code paths within the Dawn library. When Chrome processes such a page, the graphics rendering pipeline executes code that attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure. The flaw specifically impacts the heap management within the Dawn component, where objects are freed from memory but references to these objects persist in the execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which defines use-after-free conditions as a common class of memory safety issues that can result in system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to potentially execute malicious code on targeted systems simply by persuading users to visit compromised websites or view malicious web content. The attack vector requires no local privileges and can be delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The heap corruption resulting from this flaw can manifest in various ways including application crashes, memory corruption, or more severe exploitation outcomes that could allow full system compromise. The medium severity classification reflects the potential for remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond normal web browsing, though successful exploitation typically requires sophisticated attack techniques and specific conditions to be met.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9960 primarily focus on immediate software updates to the patched versions of Google Chrome. System administrators should prioritize deployment of Chrome version 130.0.6723.58 or later, which includes the necessary memory management fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block potentially malicious web content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary graphics features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional protective layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual heap behavior patterns and memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and continuous monitoring of browser components, as graphics libraries like Dawn often handle complex memory operations that can introduce subtle but critical flaws. This case aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where compromised browsers can serve as initial access points for broader attack campaigns. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across all endpoints.