CVE-2024-5497: Google Chrome RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-5497 Overview

CVE-2024-5497 is an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in the Browser UI component of Google Chrome prior to version 125.0.6422.141. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker who convinces a user to engage in specific UI gestures to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. The vulnerability affects Chrome's memory handling within the browser's user interface components, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit heap corruption through specially crafted HTML pages, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with user privileges when victims interact with malicious UI elements.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 125.0.6422.141
• Fedora 39 (via bundled Chromium packages)
• Fedora 40 (via bundled Chromium packages)

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-05-30 - CVE-2024-5497 published to NVD
• 2024-12-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-5497

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability involves out-of-bounds memory access within Google Chrome's Browser UI component. The flaw is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read), indicating that the vulnerability can result in both reading and writing memory outside allocated buffers. When a user is manipulated into performing specific UI gestures while viewing a crafted HTML page, the browser incorrectly handles memory operations, leading to heap corruption.

The exploitation requires user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince the victim to visit a malicious webpage and perform certain UI gestures. Once triggered, the heap corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser process, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper boundary checking in Chrome's Browser UI component when processing certain user interface operations. The code fails to properly validate memory access boundaries during specific UI gesture handling, allowing attackers to craft HTML content that triggers memory operations beyond allocated buffer limits. This results in heap corruption that can be exploited for code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker would typically:

1. Host a malicious HTML page containing specially crafted content designed to trigger the vulnerability
2. Lure the victim to visit the malicious page through phishing, social engineering, or malvertising
3. The victim must engage in specific UI gestures while on the page
4. Upon interaction, the crafted HTML triggers out-of-bounds memory access in the Browser UI
5. Heap corruption occurs, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code

The vulnerability manifests in Chrome's Browser UI component during memory operations. The flaw allows reading and writing outside allocated memory boundaries when processing certain UI interactions. For technical details, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry and the Google Chrome Update Notice.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-5497

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected Chrome browser crashes, particularly during user interface interactions
• Anomalous memory access patterns or heap corruption indicators in browser process logs
• Unusual network connections originating from Chrome processes following page visits
• Browser process spawning unexpected child processes or system calls

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for Chrome versions prior to 125.0.6422.141 across enterprise endpoints using software inventory tools
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify heap corruption exploitation attempts in browser processes
• Implement network-based detection for known malicious HTML patterns targeting Chrome UI vulnerabilities
• Enable crash reporting and analyze browser crash dumps for signs of exploitation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Audit Chrome browser versions across all managed endpoints and flag outdated installations
• Configure SentinelOne policies to detect memory corruption exploitation techniques in browser contexts
• Monitor for suspicious browser behavior including unexpected crashes after visiting unknown sites
• Track Chrome update status through centralized endpoint management solutions

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-5497

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 125.0.6422.141 or later immediately across all endpoints
• For Fedora 39 and 40 users, apply the latest package updates via dnf/yum
• Implement browser isolation or sandboxing for high-risk users until patches are deployed
• Block access to suspicious domains and enforce web filtering policies

Patch Information

Google has released Chrome version 125.0.6422.141 which addresses this vulnerability. The fix was announced in the Stable Channel Update for Desktop on May 30, 2024. Fedora users should apply updates through their package manager, as security advisories have been issued for both Fedora 39 and Fedora 40 via the Fedora Package Announcements.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to untrusted websites and enable enhanced safe browsing in Chrome settings
• Deploy browser isolation solutions to contain potential exploitation attempts
• Consider temporary use of alternative browsers for high-security tasks until patching is complete
• Implement strict content security policies to limit exposure to crafted malicious content

# Verify Chrome version on Linux/macOS
google-chrome --version

# Update Chrome on Fedora
sudo dnf update chromium --refresh

# Check for vulnerable Chrome versions in enterprise (example for Linux)
dpkg -l google-chrome-stable | grep -E "^ii" | awk '{print $3}'