CVE-2024-7535 Overview
CVE-2024-7535 is a heap corruption vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome. The vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page. This type of vulnerability in Chrome's V8 engine is particularly dangerous as it can lead to arbitrary code execution when a user visits a malicious webpage.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this heap corruption vulnerability to potentially execute arbitrary code on victim systems by convincing users to visit malicious web pages, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 127.0.6533.99
- Chromium-based browsers using vulnerable V8 engine versions
- All platforms running affected Chrome versions (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Discovery Timeline
- August 6, 2024 - CVE-2024-7535 published to NVD
- October 24, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-7535
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which occurs when the V8 JavaScript engine writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer. The V8 engine is the core JavaScript and WebAssembly runtime that powers Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. Inappropriate implementation in memory handling routines can lead to heap corruption, which attackers can leverage to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The vulnerability requires user interaction—specifically, a victim must navigate to a malicious webpage containing specially crafted HTML and JavaScript code. Once triggered, the heap corruption can allow attackers to overwrite critical memory structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in an inappropriate implementation within Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. V8 handles dynamic memory allocation for JavaScript objects on the heap. The vulnerability occurs when the engine improperly manages heap memory during certain operations, allowing out-of-bounds write conditions that corrupt adjacent memory regions. This type of memory safety issue is characteristic of complex JIT (Just-In-Time) compiled engines where optimization paths may inadvertently introduce memory safety violations.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious HTML page that triggers the vulnerable code path in V8. The attack scenario typically involves:
- Attacker creates a web page with specially crafted JavaScript designed to trigger the heap corruption
- Victim is lured to visit the malicious page through phishing, malvertising, or compromised legitimate websites
- The malicious JavaScript executes in the browser context, triggering the V8 vulnerability
- Heap corruption allows the attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without any prior authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can deliver malicious content to a victim's browser. For detailed technical information, refer to the Chromium Issue #352690885 security advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7535
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual Chrome process behavior including unexpected memory consumption spikes
- Browser crashes or instability after visiting unfamiliar websites
- Suspicious JavaScript execution patterns in browser telemetry
- Anomalous network connections initiated from Chrome processes
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Chrome versions prior to 127.0.6533.99 in software inventory scans
- Implement endpoint detection rules for V8-related crash dump patterns indicating heap corruption
- Deploy network security controls to detect and block known malicious domains serving exploits
- Use browser security policies to restrict JavaScript execution on untrusted domains
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome crash reporting to centrally collect and analyze browser failures
- Implement web proxy logging to track user browsing patterns and identify potential exploit delivery attempts
- Deploy SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect post-exploitation activities following browser compromise
- Monitor for suspicious child process spawning from Chrome browser processes
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7535
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 127.0.6533.99 or later immediately
- Verify all Chromium-based browsers in the environment are updated to patched versions
- Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites
- Review and restrict browser permissions where possible
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 127.0.6533.99. The fix was announced in the Google Chrome Desktop Update released in August 2024. Organizations should ensure automatic updates are enabled or deploy the patched version through enterprise management tools. The update addresses the inappropriate implementation in V8 that allowed the heap corruption condition.
Workarounds
- Enable Chrome's Site Isolation feature to limit the impact of renderer exploits
- Consider using browser security extensions that block JavaScript on untrusted sites
- Implement network-level blocking of known malicious domains and IP addresses
- Deploy web filtering solutions to prevent access to high-risk or uncategorized websites
# Configuration example
# Verify Chrome version from command line
# Windows
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --version
# Linux
google-chrome --version
# macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
# Expected output should show version 127.0.6533.99 or higher
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
