CVE-2024-0808: Google Chrome WebUI RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-0808 Overview

CVE-2024-0808 is an integer underflow vulnerability in the WebUI component of Google Chrome prior to version 121.0.6167.85. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a malicious file, which could lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability was classified by Chromium with a "High" security severity rating.

Integer underflow vulnerabilities occur when arithmetic operations produce a result smaller than the minimum value that can be stored in the designated data type, causing the value to wrap around to a large positive number. In the context of the Chrome WebUI, this can lead to incorrect memory allocation sizes, buffer overflows, and ultimately heap corruption that attackers can leverage for exploitation.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this heap corruption vulnerability through malicious files to potentially achieve arbitrary code execution without user authentication, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome (versions prior to 121.0.6167.85)
• Debian Linux 11.0
• Fedora 38 and 39

Discovery Timeline

• January 24, 2024 - CVE-2024-0808 published to NVD
• May 30, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-0808

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-191 (Integer Underflow), which describes a condition where subtracting from a small unsigned integer results in a wrap-around to a very large value. In the Chrome WebUI component, this integer underflow can corrupt the heap memory structure when processing specially crafted malicious files.

The WebUI component in Chrome handles the rendering and processing of internal Chrome pages and user interface elements. When a malicious file triggers the integer underflow condition, the resulting incorrect memory calculations can lead to heap corruption. This corruption enables attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that could allow for arbitrary code execution within the browser's context.

The network-based attack vector means that exploitation can occur remotely without requiring any prior authentication or privileges on the target system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction in its exploitation chain, making it particularly dangerous for drive-by attacks or scenarios where malicious files are automatically processed.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-0808 lies in improper arithmetic validation within the WebUI component's file handling routines. When performing size calculations involving user-controlled input from malicious files, the code fails to properly check for underflow conditions before using the result for memory operations. This allows an attacker to craft input that causes an unsigned integer to wrap around from a small value to a very large one, leading to incorrect buffer allocations and subsequent heap corruption.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and involves the delivery of a specially crafted malicious file to the victim's Chrome browser. The attack flow typically involves:

1. An attacker crafts a malicious file designed to trigger the integer underflow condition in Chrome's WebUI component
2. The victim receives or accesses this file through web browsing, email, or file download
3. Chrome's WebUI component processes the file, triggering the integer underflow
4. The resulting heap corruption allows the attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code within the browser's security context

The vulnerability can be triggered through various delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, compromised advertisements, or phishing campaigns that deliver the exploit file.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0808

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected Chrome browser crashes or instability, particularly when loading files or internal pages
• Abnormal memory consumption patterns in Chrome processes
• Detection of suspicious file downloads with unusual characteristics targeting browser vulnerabilities
• Crash dump analysis revealing heap corruption signatures in the WebUI component

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Chrome browser version inventory across the organization to identify unpatched instances running versions prior to 121.0.6167.85
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify Chrome crash patterns consistent with heap corruption exploitation
• Deploy network-level inspection to detect potentially malicious file payloads targeting known Chrome vulnerabilities
• Utilize browser extension or endpoint security telemetry to detect anomalous WebUI component behavior

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable Chrome crash reporting and centralize crash dump collection for security analysis
• Implement browser version compliance monitoring with alerts for outdated Chrome installations
• Monitor network traffic for indicators of drive-by download attacks targeting Chrome
• Review endpoint security logs for evidence of post-exploitation activities following browser compromise

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0808

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 121.0.6167.85 or later immediately on all systems
• Review and apply operating system package updates for Debian Linux and Fedora that include the patched Chrome version
• Consider implementing browser isolation solutions for high-risk browsing activities until patching is complete
• Educate users about the risks of downloading files from untrusted sources

Patch Information

Google has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 121.0.6167.85. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this update across all managed endpoints. The fix is documented in the Chrome Stable Channel Update announcement. Linux distribution users should also check their package managers for updated Chrome packages, as Fedora has released announcements through their package-announce mailing list addressing this vulnerability.

Additional technical details can be found in Chrome Bug Report #1504936.

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not possible, consider restricting access to untrusted websites and file downloads through web filtering
• Implement application control policies to prevent execution of suspicious files
• Deploy network security controls to inspect and block potentially malicious file downloads
• Consider using alternative browsers temporarily for sensitive operations until Chrome can be updated

# Verify Chrome version on Linux systems
google-chrome --version
# Expected output for patched version: Google Chrome 121.0.6167.85 or higher

# Update Chrome on Debian-based systems
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade google-chrome-stable

# Update Chrome on Fedora systems
sudo dnf upgrade google-chrome-stable