CVE-2023-1213 Overview
CVE-2023-1213 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Swiftshader component of Google Chrome prior to version 111.0.5563.64. Swiftshader is Chrome's CPU-based software renderer used as a fallback when GPU acceleration is unavailable. A remote attacker can exploit heap corruption through a crafted HTML page, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the renderer process. The flaw is categorized under CWE-416 and was rated High severity by the Chromium security team.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger heap corruption via a malicious web page, enabling potential code execution in the browser renderer process after a user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 111.0.5563.64 (Desktop)
- Chromium-based browsers embedding the vulnerable Swiftshader component
- Any platform shipping the affected Chrome build (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-03-07 - CVE-2023-1213 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-1213
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Swiftshader, Chrome's software-based implementation of the Vulkan and OpenGL ES APIs. Swiftshader allows the browser to render WebGL and other graphics content without dedicated GPU hardware. A use-after-free condition occurs when the component continues to reference heap memory after that memory has already been released. An attacker who crafts a specific sequence of graphics API calls from JavaScript can manipulate the timing of object allocation and deallocation. This results in dangling pointers that the renderer dereferences, corrupting the heap.
Exploitation requires the victim to load a malicious HTML page that issues attacker-controlled graphics workloads. Successful exploitation can break the renderer sandbox boundary when chained with a sandbox escape, allowing code execution in the user's security context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper lifetime management of graphics objects within Swiftshader. Memory is freed while pointers referencing the same allocation remain in use by other code paths. When the freed region is reallocated with attacker-controlled data, subsequent operations on the dangling pointer manipulate attacker-influenced memory, leading to heap corruption.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is remote and network-based. An attacker hosts a crafted web page containing JavaScript that issues WebGL or similar graphics calls processed by Swiftshader. User interaction is required, since the victim must navigate to the malicious page. No prior authentication or privileges are needed on the target system. See the Chromium Bug Report #1411210 for additional technical context.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code has been released, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The current EPSS probability is 0.148%.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-1213
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Chrome renderer process crashes with heap corruption signatures shortly after visiting unfamiliar web pages
- Child processes spawned by chrome.exe that deviate from typical browser process trees
- Outbound network connections initiated by renderer processes to unknown command-and-control infrastructure
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Chrome installations across the environment and flag any version below 111.0.5563.64 for remediation
- Monitor browser process telemetry for anomalous memory allocation patterns and crashes within the Swiftshader module
- Correlate web proxy logs with renderer crashes to identify potentially malicious destinations serving exploit content
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable browser crash reporting and forward telemetry to centralized logging for analysis
- Track Chrome version distribution through endpoint management tooling to verify patch deployment
- Alert on post-exploitation behaviors such as renderer processes writing executables or modifying autorun keys
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-1213
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 111.0.5563.64 or later on all endpoints
- Restart browsers after patch installation to ensure the vulnerable Swiftshader binary is unloaded
- Audit Chromium-based applications and embedded browsers for use of the vulnerable Swiftshader version
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome Stable channel update documented in the Google Chrome Desktop Update. Administrators should deploy version 111.0.5563.64 or later through enterprise update mechanisms. Verify patch status by inspecting the version string under chrome://settings/help.
Workarounds
- Disable hardware-accelerated graphics fallback paths where Swiftshader is invoked, if business workflows permit
- Restrict access to untrusted websites through web filtering and DNS protection until patches are deployed
- Enforce a managed browser update policy via Group Policy or MDM to prevent users from running outdated builds
# Verify Chrome version on Linux endpoints
google-chrome --version
# Windows: query installed version via registry
reg query "HKLM\Software\Google\Update\Clients\{8A69D345-D564-463C-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}" /v pv
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
