CVE-2023-4355 Overview
CVE-2023-4355 is an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability affecting the V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome versions prior to 116.0.5845.96. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, leading to potential arbitrary code execution within the browser context.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit heap corruption through malicious web pages, potentially achieving arbitrary code execution without requiring user authentication. The vulnerability requires only user interaction to visit a crafted page.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 116.0.5845.96
- Debian Linux 11.0 and 12.0
- Fedora 37 and 38
Discovery Timeline
- August 15, 2023 - CVE-2023-4355 published to NVD
- May 5, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-4355
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), affecting the V8 JavaScript engine which powers JavaScript execution in Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The flaw involves dangling FixedArray pointers that can lead to memory corruption conditions within the V8 heap.
V8's optimized memory management for JavaScript arrays relies on FixedArray structures for internal storage. When these internal pointers become invalid or "dangling" due to improper lifecycle management, subsequent operations can read or write to unintended memory locations. This creates a heap corruption scenario that attackers can potentially weaponize for code execution.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from improper memory management within V8's FixedArray implementation. When array structures are modified or garbage collected, certain pointer references may not be properly invalidated, leaving dangling pointers that reference freed or reallocated memory regions. Subsequent access to these pointers results in out-of-bounds memory operations.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a victim to visit a maliciously crafted HTML page containing JavaScript code designed to trigger the vulnerability. The attack is network-based, requiring no authentication, but does require user interaction (visiting the malicious page). Once triggered, the heap corruption can potentially be leveraged to:
- Achieve arbitrary read/write primitives in the renderer process
- Bypass browser sandbox protections in conjunction with other exploits
- Execute arbitrary code within the context of the compromised browser process
The vulnerability mechanism involves crafting JavaScript that manipulates V8's internal array structures to create and exploit the dangling pointer condition. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Packet Storm Memory Corruption advisory and Chrome Bug Report #1468943.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-4355
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected browser crashes or memory errors during JavaScript-heavy page loads
- Anomalous heap allocation patterns in Chrome renderer processes
- JavaScript execution patterns attempting to manipulate array boundaries
- Browser process spawning unexpected child processes or network connections
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Chrome versions below 116.0.5845.96 across the enterprise environment
- Implement browser extension or EDR-based detection for heap corruption exploitation techniques
- Deploy network-based detection for known malicious HTML/JavaScript patterns targeting this vulnerability
- Enable Chrome's crash reporting to identify potential exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Centralize browser version inventory and flag unpatched Chrome installations
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for browser process anomalies including memory access violations
- Implement web proxy logging to identify access to known malicious domains serving exploit pages
- Review browser crash dumps for V8-related memory corruption signatures
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-4355
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 116.0.5845.96 or later immediately
- Enable automatic Chrome updates to ensure timely security patches
- For Linux distributions, apply vendor security updates from Debian, Fedora, or Gentoo repositories
- Consider temporary browser restrictions for high-risk environments until patching is complete
Patch Information
Google has released Chrome version 116.0.5845.96 which addresses this vulnerability. The official patch information is available in the Chrome Releases Update Announcement.
Linux distribution-specific patches:
Workarounds
- Disable JavaScript execution in Chrome for untrusted sites using content settings or extensions
- Implement strict site isolation policies to limit impact of potential exploitation
- Use browser virtualization or containerization for high-risk browsing activities
- Deploy network-level filtering to block access to known malicious domains
# Update Chrome on Debian/Ubuntu systems
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade chromium
# Update Chrome on Fedora systems
sudo dnf update chromium
# Verify Chrome version
google-chrome --version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
