CVE-2022-4262 Overview
CVE-2022-4262 is a type confusion vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome prior to version 108.0.5359.94. A remote attacker can exploit heap corruption by serving a crafted HTML page, leading to arbitrary code execution within the renderer process. Google has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added the flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-843 (Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type).
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger heap corruption in Chrome's V8 engine via a malicious web page, enabling arbitrary code execution and renderer sandbox compromise. This vulnerability is listed in the CISA KEV catalog as actively exploited.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome desktop versions prior to 108.0.5359.94
- Chromium-based browsers incorporating vulnerable V8 builds
- Embedded applications using affected V8 engine versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2022-12-02 - CVE-2022-4262 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2022-12 - Google releases Chrome 108.0.5359.94 containing the fix via the Stable Channel Update for Desktop
- 2025-10-24 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2022-4262
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in V8, the open-source JavaScript and WebAssembly engine that powers Chrome. V8 applies aggressive optimizations through its TurboFan compiler, which makes assumptions about object types and shapes. When those assumptions break, the engine can operate on memory as if it were a different type than the actual underlying object. Attackers abuse this mismatch to read and write outside intended bounds within the V8 heap.
Successful exploitation yields arbitrary read and write primitives in the renderer process. From there, attackers typically chain a sandbox escape to gain code execution on the host. Google's reporting and the CISA KEV listing confirm exploitation occurred in the wild prior to the patch.
Root Cause
The root cause is a type confusion condition [CWE-843] in V8. The engine treats a JavaScript object as one type while it is actually another, due to incorrect type checks or stale assumptions in optimized code. This mismatch corrupts adjacent heap structures and breaks V8's internal invariants.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a victim to load a crafted HTML page in a vulnerable Chrome build. No authentication is required, but user interaction is needed to visit the malicious page or render attacker-controlled content. Delivery vectors include phishing links, malvertising, and compromised websites serving malicious JavaScript.
No public proof-of-concept is available. Technical details remain restricted in the Chrome bug tracker entry 1394403. Refer to the vendor advisory for additional context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2022-4262
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome renderer process crashes with heap corruption signatures generated while visiting untrusted pages
- Unexpected child processes spawned by chrome.exe following navigation to attacker-controlled domains
- Outbound connections from Chrome to known malicious infrastructure shortly after page load
- Browser versions reporting below 108.0.5359.94 in endpoint inventory data
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome versions across managed endpoints and flag builds older than 108.0.5359.94
- Hunt for renderer crashes correlated with navigation events to newly registered or low-reputation domains
- Monitor for post-exploitation behaviors such as suspicious process creation, credential access, or LOLBin execution originating from browser processes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward browser process telemetry and crash reports to a centralized security data lake for correlation
- Apply behavioral identification rules that flag anomalous child processes and memory operations spawned from browser binaries
- Track navigation patterns to domains associated with exploit kits or watering-hole campaigns referenced in threat intelligence feeds
How to Mitigate CVE-2022-4262
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 108.0.5359.94 or later on all Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints
- Restart Chrome after the update to ensure the patched V8 binary is loaded into memory
- Audit Chromium-based applications and embedded browser frameworks for vulnerable V8 builds and upgrade accordingly
- Prioritize remediation on systems exposed to high-risk browsing or used by privileged users
Patch Information
Google released Chrome 108.0.5359.94 for desktop in December 2022, addressing CVE-2022-4262 along with other security fixes. Refer to the Chrome Stable Channel Update for Desktop and the Chromium bug report for vendor-supplied details. CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog mandates federal civilian agencies remediate by the listed due date.
Workarounds
- Enforce automatic Chrome updates through enterprise management policies to prevent version drift
- Restrict navigation to untrusted sites using web filtering, DNS security, or browser isolation
- Disable JavaScript on high-risk endpoints where business workflows allow until patching is complete
- Apply application allow-listing to block unauthorized code execution from browser child processes
# Verify installed Chrome version on Linux
google-chrome --version
# Verify installed Chrome version on macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
# Verify installed Chrome version on Windows (PowerShell)
(Get-Item "$Env:ProgramFiles\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe").VersionInfo.ProductVersion
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
