CVE-2023-0928 Overview
CVE-2023-0928 is a Use After Free vulnerability in the SwiftShader component of Google Chrome prior to version 110.0.5481.177. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability was classified by Chromium security as High severity, indicating significant risk to affected users.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit heap corruption via malicious web pages, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or browser compromise.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 110.0.5481.177
- Chromium-based browsers using vulnerable SwiftShader component
- All platforms running affected Chrome versions (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Discovery Timeline
- February 22, 2023 - CVE-2023-0928 published to NVD
- November 21, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-0928
Vulnerability Analysis
This Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability exists in SwiftShader, Google Chrome's software-based implementation of the Vulkan and OpenGL ES graphics APIs. SwiftShader serves as a fallback renderer when hardware GPU acceleration is unavailable or disabled, making it a critical component for browser rendering capabilities.
The vulnerability occurs when memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, leading to heap corruption. In the context of a web browser, this type of memory safety issue can be particularly dangerous as it may allow attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially achieve code execution within the browser's rendering process.
The attack requires user interaction—specifically, a victim must navigate to a malicious webpage containing the crafted HTML payload. However, given the ubiquity of web browsing and the ease with which users can be directed to malicious content through phishing or compromised legitimate sites, this interaction requirement does not significantly diminish the threat.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from improper memory management in the SwiftShader graphics rendering component. Use After Free vulnerabilities typically occur when:
- Memory is allocated for an object or data structure
- The memory is freed or deallocated
- A dangling pointer to the freed memory is subsequently dereferenced
- The attacker controls or influences the contents of the reallocated memory region
In this case, the SwiftShader component fails to properly track the lifecycle of memory allocations during graphics rendering operations, allowing an attacker to trigger conditions where freed memory is accessed.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted remotely over the network by luring a victim to visit a malicious webpage. The attacker crafts an HTML page containing specific content designed to trigger the vulnerable code path in SwiftShader. When the browser attempts to render the malicious content, the Use After Free condition is triggered.
The exploitation mechanism involves manipulating the heap layout through careful allocation and deallocation patterns. By controlling when memory is freed and what data occupies the freed region when it's reallocated, attackers can potentially:
- Corrupt critical data structures
- Hijack control flow by overwriting function pointers
- Achieve arbitrary code execution within the renderer process
For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Chromium Bug Report #1309035.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-0928
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual Chrome renderer process crashes or unexpected termination patterns
- Suspicious WebGL or graphics-related JavaScript execution on visited pages
- Memory access violations or heap corruption errors in Chrome crash reports
- Unexpected network connections originating from browser processes after visiting unknown sites
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Chrome browser version across endpoints to identify installations running versions prior to 110.0.5481.177
- Implement endpoint detection rules for anomalous memory operations in Chrome renderer processes
- Deploy web filtering to block known malicious domains serving exploit content
- Enable Chrome's built-in crash reporting to identify potential exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure centralized logging for browser crash events and analyze for patterns consistent with memory corruption exploits
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious outbound connections following browser activity
- Review endpoint telemetry for Chrome processes exhibiting unusual behavior such as spawning unexpected child processes
- Monitor for attempts to disable Chrome's sandbox or security features
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-0928
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 110.0.5481.177 or later immediately across all endpoints
- Enable automatic updates in Chrome to ensure timely patching of future vulnerabilities
- Verify update deployment through browser version audits across the organization
- Consider temporarily using alternative browsers on systems where immediate patching is not possible
Patch Information
Google addressed this vulnerability in the Chrome Stable Channel update released on February 22, 2023. The fix is included in Chrome version 110.0.5481.177 and all subsequent releases. Organizations should prioritize deploying this update to all managed Chrome installations.
For official patch details, see the Google Chrome Desktop Update announcement. Linux distributions may have separate advisories—Gentoo users should consult GLSA 202309-17.
Workarounds
- Disable hardware acceleration in Chrome settings to reduce attack surface in SwiftShader-related rendering paths
- Implement web content filtering to block access to untrusted or potentially malicious websites
- Enable Chrome's Site Isolation feature to limit the impact of renderer process compromises
- Consider deploying browser isolation solutions for high-risk users until patching is complete
# Verify Chrome version from command line
# Windows
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --version
# macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
# Linux
google-chrome --version
# Expected output should show version 110.0.5481.177 or higher
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
