CVE-2023-5849 Overview
CVE-2023-5849 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the USB component of Google Chrome prior to version 119.0.6045.105. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability was classified with high severity by Chromium's security team due to its potential for remote exploitation leading to arbitrary code execution.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this integer overflow vulnerability to achieve heap corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution when users visit malicious web pages.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome (versions prior to 119.0.6045.105)
- Debian Linux 11.0 and 12.0
- Fedora 37, 38, and 39
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-11-01 - CVE-2023-5849 published to NVD
- 2025-04-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-5849
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition (CWE-190) within Chrome's USB handling code. When the browser processes certain USB-related operations triggered by web content, insufficient validation of arithmetic operations allows integer values to wrap around, resulting in incorrect memory allocation sizes. This miscalculation leads to heap corruption when subsequent operations write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The attack requires user interaction—specifically, a victim must navigate to a malicious webpage containing the crafted exploit. Once triggered, the integer overflow corrupts heap memory structures, which attackers can leverage to gain control over program execution flow.
Root Cause
The root cause is an integer overflow vulnerability (CWE-190) in Chrome's USB component. When performing arithmetic operations on user-controlled or externally-supplied values related to USB data handling, the code fails to properly validate that the resulting values remain within expected bounds. This allows integer wraparound to occur, causing undersized memory allocations that are subsequently overwritten.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage that contains specially crafted HTML content designed to trigger the integer overflow in the USB component. The attack flow involves:
- Attacker hosts a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML/JavaScript
- Victim navigates to the malicious page using a vulnerable Chrome browser
- The crafted content triggers USB-related operations that cause integer overflow
- Integer overflow leads to incorrect heap allocation size
- Subsequent write operations corrupt heap memory
- Attacker achieves potential code execution through heap corruption exploitation
The vulnerability can be exploited without special privileges on the attacker's part, though the victim must actively navigate to the malicious content.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-5849
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Chrome crashes or memory-related errors when visiting unfamiliar websites
- Chrome process exhibiting abnormal memory consumption patterns
- Browser stability issues coinciding with visits to potentially malicious web content
- Crash dumps indicating heap corruption in Chrome's USB-related components
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Chrome versions prior to 119.0.6045.105 across the environment
- Implement browser version tracking and alerting for outdated installations
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting heap corruption exploitation attempts
- Review network traffic for connections to known malicious domains serving browser exploits
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome's built-in crash reporting and monitor for patterns indicating exploitation attempts
- Implement centralized logging of browser version information across managed endpoints
- Configure security information and event management (SIEM) rules to alert on mass Chrome crashes
- Monitor for suspicious child process spawning from Chrome that may indicate successful exploitation
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-5849
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 119.0.6045.105 or later immediately
- Enable automatic Chrome updates to ensure timely security patches
- Apply distribution-specific security updates for Debian and Fedora systems
- Consider implementing browser isolation technologies for high-risk environments
Patch Information
Google addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 119.0.6045.105, released on October 31, 2023. The fix is documented in the Chrome Release Update. Technical details are tracked in Chrome Bug Report #1492384.
For Linux distributions:
- Debian: Security update available via DSA-5546
- Fedora: Updates available through Fedora Package Announcements
- Gentoo: Security advisories GLSA 202311-11, GLSA 202312-07, and GLSA 202401-34
Workarounds
- Restrict access to untrusted websites using web filtering or proxy solutions
- Implement browser isolation for users who must access potentially risky content
- Consider using alternative browsers temporarily if immediate patching is not feasible
- Disable USB device access at the browser level if not required for business operations
# Verify Chrome version on Linux systems
google-chrome --version
# Update Chrome on Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade google-chrome-stable
# Update Chrome on Fedora
sudo dnf update chromium
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
