CVE-2024-2626: Google Chrome Swiftshader Memory Access Flaw

CVE-2024-2626 is an out of bounds read vulnerability in Google Chrome's Swiftshader component that enables remote attackers to access memory beyond intended boundaries through malicious web pages. This article covers technical details, affected versions, security impact, and recommended mitigation strategies.

CVE-2024-2626 Overview

CVE-2024-2626 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Swiftshader component of Google Chrome. Swiftshader is Chrome's CPU-based software renderer used as a fallback when GPU acceleration is unavailable. A remote attacker can trigger out-of-bounds memory access by convincing a user to load a crafted HTML page. Chrome versions prior to 123.0.6312.58 are affected. The Chromium project rated this issue as Medium severity. Successful exploitation can disclose adjacent process memory, which may include sensitive data or contribute to bypassing memory protections such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR).

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can read out-of-bounds memory in the Chrome renderer process through a crafted HTML page, enabling potential information disclosure and aiding further exploitation.

Affected Products

Google Chrome versions prior to 123.0.6312.58
Fedora 38, 39, and 40 (Chromium package updates)
Any Chromium-based application bundling the vulnerable Swiftshader component

Discovery Timeline

2024-03-20 - CVE-2024-2626 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-2626

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] in Swiftshader, the software rasterizer that Chrome uses to emulate GPU functionality when hardware acceleration is unavailable or disabled. Swiftshader implements graphics APIs including OpenGL ES and Vulkan in software, executing shader programs and rendering pipelines entirely on the CPU.

When processing attacker-controlled rendering input from a crafted HTML page, Swiftshader reads memory beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. This exposes adjacent heap contents to the renderer process, where the data can be siphoned back to the attacker through JavaScript or WebGL APIs. Because the flaw resides in a rendering path reachable from any web content, no authentication is required and the attack executes through normal browsing.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking within a Swiftshader rendering routine. Attacker-controlled parameters influence an index or offset used during buffer access, causing the read to extend past the intended allocation. Details are tracked in Chromium Issue 40945098.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires a user to visit a malicious or compromised website that delivers a crafted HTML page containing specific WebGL or canvas content. The page triggers the vulnerable Swiftshader code path in the renderer. User interaction is limited to browsing, and no additional privileges are needed. See the Chrome Stable Channel Update for vendor guidance.

Because no verified proof-of-concept is publicly available, technical exploitation specifics are described in prose only. Refer to the linked Chromium issue tracker for maintained technical detail.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-2626

Indicators of Compromise

Chrome or Chromium browser versions earlier than 123.0.6312.58 running in the environment
Unexpected renderer process crashes correlated with visits to unfamiliar or newly registered domains
HTML pages delivering unusual WebGL shader programs or canvas operations from untrusted origins

Detection Strategies

Inventory browser versions across managed endpoints and flag installations below 123.0.6312.58
Correlate web proxy logs with browser crash telemetry to identify pages that trigger renderer faults
Monitor Fedora package inventories for outdated Chromium builds referenced in the Fedora security update

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest browser process telemetry into a centralized data platform to detect anomalous renderer behavior
Alert on repeated Chrome renderer crashes originating from the same origin or URL path
Track outbound requests from browser processes to newly seen domains hosting active WebGL content

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-2626

Immediate Actions Required

Update Google Chrome to version 123.0.6312.58 or later on all managed endpoints
Apply Fedora Chromium package updates on Fedora 38, 39, and 40 systems as published by the project
Restart browser sessions after patching to ensure the vulnerable Swiftshader library is unloaded
Verify that Chromium-based third-party applications have absorbed the upstream fix

Patch Information

Google released the fix in Chrome Stable 123.0.6312.58 for desktop platforms. Details and release notes are available in the Chrome Stable Channel Update for Desktop. Fedora shipped corresponding Chromium package updates via the Fedora Package Update Notification and the Fedora Package Security Update.

Workarounds

Enforce hardware GPU acceleration where available so the Swiftshader software fallback is not invoked
Restrict access to untrusted sites through web filtering and content security policies until patches are deployed
Deploy browser management policies that block WebGL from untrusted origins in high-risk environments