CVE-2024-12692 Overview
CVE-2024-12692 is a type confusion vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome. The flaw affects Chrome versions prior to 131.0.6778.204. A remote attacker can exploit heap corruption by serving a crafted HTML page to a target user. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the renderer process, which attackers often chain with sandbox escapes to compromise the host. The Chromium project assigned this issue a security severity rating of High, and it is tracked under CWE-843: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger heap corruption in V8 via a malicious web page, enabling potential arbitrary code execution in the browser renderer.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 131.0.6778.204
- Chromium-based browsers embedding vulnerable V8 builds
- Desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) running affected Chrome releases
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-18 - CVE-2024-12692 published to NVD
- 2024-12-18 - Google releases Chrome Stable channel update addressing the flaw
- 2025-02-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-12692
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a type confusion condition in V8, the JavaScript and WebAssembly engine that powers Chrome. Type confusion occurs when code allocates or initializes an object of one type but later accesses it as a different, incompatible type. In V8, such mismatches typically arise from incorrect assumptions made by the optimizing compiler (TurboFan or Maglev) about object shapes, map transitions, or element kinds.
When the engine operates on a mistyped object, it may read or write memory using the layout of the assumed type. This corrupts adjacent heap metadata, function pointers, or inline caches. An attacker who controls the corrupted memory can construct primitives for arbitrary read and write within the renderer address space. Exploitation requires user interaction, typically navigating to an attacker-controlled or compromised page.
Root Cause
The root cause is an incorrect type assumption inside V8 that allows JavaScript code to manipulate an object as if it were a different type. The Chromium tracker entry issue 382291459 records the specific defect. The bug class falls under CWE-843, where execution of operations on an object of the wrong type results in heap corruption.
Attack Vector
Exploitation proceeds over the network. An attacker hosts a crafted HTML page containing malicious JavaScript that triggers the V8 type confusion. When a victim visits the page, the engine processes the script and the heap is corrupted. From this primitive, an attacker can pivot to renderer code execution. Combined with a separate sandbox escape, the chain can yield full code execution on the host. No verified proof-of-concept is publicly available, and the CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No verified exploit code is available. See the Chromium issue tracker and the Google Chrome Stable Update advisory for additional technical context once Google releases bug details.
Stop Remote Code Execution Before It Runs
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Stop Exploit AttemptsDetection Methods for CVE-2024-12692
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome processes spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or shell binaries following web browsing
- Unexpected outbound network connections from chrome.exe to unfamiliar hosts shortly after page loads
- Crash dumps or chrome_crashpad_handler reports referencing V8 or v8::internal frames
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome versions across the fleet and flag any build below 131.0.6778.204
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for renderer processes performing file writes outside Chrome cache and profile directories
- Correlate browser navigation logs with proxy or DNS data to identify visits to suspicious domains preceding renderer crashes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome enterprise reporting to collect version, extension, and crash data into a central SIEM
- Alert on repeated renderer crashes from the same origin, which can indicate exploitation attempts
- Track process lineage where chrome.exe is the parent of LOLBins or scripting interpreters
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-12692
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to 131.0.6778.204 or later on all Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints
- Restart browser sessions after the update to ensure the patched V8 binary is loaded
- Audit Chromium-based browsers and embedded WebView components for updated V8 builds
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2024-12692 in the Chrome Stable channel update published on December 18, 2024. Administrators should deploy version 131.0.6778.204 or newer. Refer to the Google Chrome Stable Update advisory for full release notes and download locations.
Workarounds
- Enforce automatic Chrome updates through enterprise policy using the UpdateDefault and AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes settings
- Restrict JavaScript execution on untrusted sites via the DefaultJavaScriptSetting policy where business workflows permit
- Use web filtering and DNS controls to block known malicious domains hosting browser exploits
# Verify the installed Chrome version on Linux endpoints
google-chrome --version
# Example Windows registry policy to enforce auto-update
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update" /v UpdateDefault /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update" /v AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes /t REG_DWORD /d 60 /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
