CVE-2023-7024: Google Chrome Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2023-7024 Overview

CVE-2023-7024 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the WebRTC component of Google Chrome prior to version 120.0.6099.129. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability has been confirmed as actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

Critical Impact

This actively exploited vulnerability enables remote attackers to achieve heap corruption via malicious web pages, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the browser context.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 120.0.6099.129
• Debian Linux 11.0 and 12.0
• Fedora 38 and 39

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-12-21 - CVE-2023-7024 published to NVD
• 2025-10-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-7024

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists within WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), a technology that enables peer-to-peer communication capabilities directly within web browsers. The heap buffer overflow occurs when the WebRTC component improperly handles certain input data, allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries on the heap.

When successfully exploited, an attacker can corrupt adjacent memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process. This could enable the attacker to escape the browser sandbox, access sensitive user data, or install malware on the victim's system. The attack requires user interaction—specifically, the victim must visit a malicious webpage containing the crafted HTML content that triggers the vulnerability.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2023-7024 is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in the WebRTC component when processing certain data structures. This allows an attacker to supply input that causes the application to write data past the end of an allocated heap buffer, corrupting adjacent memory regions.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious HTML page that exploits the WebRTC vulnerability and convince a victim to visit this page. Attack scenarios include:

1. Phishing campaigns - Distributing links to malicious pages via email or social media
2. Malvertising - Embedding malicious content in advertising networks
3. Watering hole attacks - Compromising legitimate websites frequented by targets
4. Iframe injection - Injecting malicious iframes into vulnerable websites

The heap corruption achieved through this vulnerability can be leveraged to gain control over program execution flow, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-7024

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual WebRTC-related crashes or browser instability
• Unexpected network connections originating from browser processes
• Memory access violations or heap corruption errors in browser logs
• Anomalous JavaScript execution patterns involving WebRTC APIs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor browser crash reports for WebRTC-related heap corruption signatures
• Implement network traffic analysis to identify malicious WebRTC signaling patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying heap spray techniques
• Review browser console logs for unusual WebRTC API usage patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced browser telemetry to capture WebRTC component behavior
• Configure endpoint protection to alert on browser process anomalies
• Implement web proxy logging to identify access to known malicious domains
• Monitor for Chrome versions below 120.0.6099.129 across the enterprise

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-7024

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 120.0.6099.129 or later immediately
• Enable automatic browser updates across all managed endpoints
• Conduct an inventory of browser versions to identify vulnerable installations
• Consider temporarily restricting access to untrusted websites until patches are applied

Patch Information

Google has released Chrome version 120.0.6099.129 to address this vulnerability. The fix was announced on December 20, 2023, through the Chrome Desktop Update Announcement. Linux distributions have also released corresponding security updates:

• Debian: Security advisory DSA-5585
• Fedora: Package announcements available through the Fedora mailing list
• Gentoo: Security advisory GLSA 202401-34

Workarounds

• Disable WebRTC functionality in Chrome using browser flags or enterprise policies if patching is not immediately possible
• Implement network-level controls to block access to known malicious domains
• Use browser isolation solutions to contain potential exploitation attempts
• Restrict browsing to trusted sites using allowlist-based web filtering

Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability given its confirmed active exploitation status and inclusion in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.