CVE-2024-3159 Overview
CVE-2024-3159 is an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. This vulnerability exists in Chrome versions prior to 123.0.6312.105 and allows a remote attacker to perform arbitrary read/write operations via a crafted HTML page. The flaw stems from improper memory bounds validation in V8, Chrome's high-performance JavaScript and WebAssembly engine.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary memory read/write capabilities, potentially leading to full system compromise through malicious web content.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 123.0.6312.105
- Chromium-based browsers using vulnerable V8 engine versions
- Fedora packages containing affected Chrome/Chromium versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-04-06 - CVE-2024-3159 published to NVD
- 2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-3159
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). The V8 JavaScript engine, which powers Chrome's JavaScript execution, fails to properly validate memory boundaries during certain operations. When processing specially crafted JavaScript code embedded in a malicious HTML page, the engine may access memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries.
The network-based attack requires user interaction—specifically, a victim must navigate to a malicious webpage containing the exploit payload. Once triggered, the vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive data from memory or write arbitrary values, potentially corrupting memory structures critical for security enforcement.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in insufficient bounds checking within V8's memory handling routines. V8 employs sophisticated optimizations for JavaScript execution, including Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation. These optimizations can introduce subtle boundary condition errors where array indices or pointer arithmetic bypass proper validation, allowing access to memory regions outside allocated buffers.
Attack Vector
The attack is delivered remotely over the network through a crafted HTML page containing malicious JavaScript. When a user visits the attacker-controlled page, the JavaScript engine processes the exploit code, triggering the out-of-bounds memory access. The attack does not require authentication or special privileges, only that the victim navigate to the malicious content. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary memory manipulation, enabling attackers to bypass security mechanisms, leak sensitive information, or achieve code execution within the browser sandbox.
The vulnerability mechanism involves crafted JavaScript that causes V8 to miscalculate memory boundaries during array or typed array operations. Detailed technical analysis is available in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-3159
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Chrome process crashes or abnormal memory consumption patterns
- Browser processes accessing unusual memory regions or exhibiting erratic behavior
- Network traffic to suspicious domains hosting JavaScript-heavy content
- Exploitation artifacts in browser crash dumps indicating V8 memory corruption
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Chrome version deployments across endpoints and flag instances running versions prior to 123.0.6312.105
- Implement browser telemetry collection to detect anomalous V8 engine behavior or repeated crashes
- Deploy network-based intrusion detection signatures for known exploitation patterns targeting V8
- Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for post-exploitation activity following browser compromise
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome crash reporting and centralized log collection for security analysis
- Monitor for mass deployment of browser updates to identify gaps in patch coverage
- Track threat intelligence feeds for active exploitation campaigns targeting CVE-2024-3159
- Implement web content filtering to block access to known malicious domains
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-3159
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 123.0.6312.105 or later immediately across all endpoints
- Verify Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Opera) are updated to incorporate the V8 fix
- Implement browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploitation
- Review and restrict access to untrusted web content where possible
Patch Information
Google has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 123.0.6312.105. The fix implements proper bounds checking in the affected V8 memory handling code paths. Refer to the Google Chrome Stable Update announcement for complete patch details.
Fedora users should apply the security updates announced in the Fedora package announcements:
Workarounds
- Enable Chrome's Site Isolation feature to limit cross-origin data exposure
- Disable JavaScript execution for untrusted sites using browser settings or extensions
- Implement web proxy filtering to block access to potentially malicious sites
- Consider using browser virtualization or sandboxing solutions as additional defense layers
# Verify Chrome version on Linux systems
google-chrome --version
# Expected output: Google Chrome 123.0.6312.105 or higher
# Force Chrome update check
google-chrome --check-for-update-interval=0
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
