CVE-2024-7972 Overview
CVE-2024-7972 is a memory safety vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome versions prior to 128.0.6613.84. The flaw stems from an inappropriate implementation in V8 that allows a remote attacker to trigger out-of-bounds memory access through a crafted HTML page. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, such as visiting an attacker-controlled web page. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected browser process. Google addressed the issue in the Stable channel update released on August 21, 2024.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker can perform out-of-bounds memory access in the V8 engine via a crafted HTML page, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the renderer process.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 128.0.6613.84
- Chromium-based browsers incorporating vulnerable V8 builds
- Desktop platforms shipping the Chrome Stable channel before the August 21, 2024 release
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-21 - Google releases Chrome 128.0.6613.84 to the Stable channel addressing the issue
- 2024-08-21 - CVE-2024-7972 published to NVD
- 2024-08-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-7972
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in V8, the JavaScript and WebAssembly engine that powers Google Chrome. An inappropriate implementation within V8 permits out-of-bounds memory access when the engine processes specially crafted JavaScript or HTML content. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-119], improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer.
Exploitation occurs in the renderer process, where untrusted web content is parsed and executed. An attacker hosting a malicious page can read or write memory beyond an allocated buffer, corrupting adjacent V8 objects. This typically enables type confusion or pointer manipulation primitives that lead to arbitrary code execution in the sandboxed renderer.
Root Cause
The root cause is an implementation defect in V8 that fails to enforce correct bounds when accessing memory regions during JavaScript execution. The condition emerges from V8 internals handling object or array operations without sufficient validation, allowing the engine to dereference memory outside intended boundaries. Chromium tracked the issue as 345960102.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction. A victim must load a crafted HTML page in a vulnerable Chrome build. The page delivers JavaScript that triggers the out-of-bounds access in V8. No authentication is required. Common delivery channels include malvertising, phishing links, watering-hole compromises, and embedded iframes on attacker-controlled or compromised sites.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this CVE. Refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker #345960102 and the Google Chrome Stable Update advisory for vendor-published technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7972
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome renderer process crashes with access violation signatures originating from v8.dll or libv8
- Outbound connections from chrome.exe to recently registered or low-reputation domains immediately after browsing activity
- Unexpected child processes spawned from Chrome renderer or browser processes
- Anomalous JavaScript files containing oversized typed arrays or unusual prototype manipulation patterns
Detection Strategies
- Monitor browser version telemetry across the fleet to identify Chrome instances below 128.0.6613.84
- Inspect web proxy and DNS logs for users visiting domains flagged by threat intelligence feeds delivering exploit content
- Deploy endpoint behavioral detections that flag renderer-to-shell process lineages, a hallmark of successful browser sandbox escapes paired with renderer RCE
- Correlate crash dumps from Windows Error Reporting (WER) or macOS CrashReporter referencing V8 modules
Monitoring Recommendations
- Continuously inventory installed Chrome and Chromium-derivative versions through endpoint management tooling
- Alert on disabled Chrome auto-update services or modified update.googleapis.com traffic patterns
- Track process creation events where chrome.exe spawns cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or other interpreters
- Forward browser security event logs to a centralized SIEM for long-term retention and hunting
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7972
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 128.0.6613.84 or later on all Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints
- Restart Chrome on every endpoint to ensure the patched binary is loaded into active sessions
- Validate that Chrome auto-update is enabled and functioning across managed devices
- Apply equivalent updates to other Chromium-based browsers once their vendors release builds incorporating the fixed V8
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome Stable channel version 128.0.6613.84 on August 21, 2024. The update is documented in the Chrome Releases blog. Enterprise administrators can deploy the update via Chrome Browser Cloud Management, Group Policy, or standard software distribution platforms.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing to trusted sites via enterprise web filtering until patches are deployed
- Enforce Chrome enterprise policies that block execution of JavaScript on untrusted origins where feasible
- Isolate high-risk browsing in a remote browser isolation (RBI) environment or hardened virtual machine
- Disable just-in-time (JIT) compilation in V8 by setting the JavaScriptJitDisabledForSites policy to reduce the attack surface
# Verify the installed Chrome version on Linux
google-chrome --version
# Windows: query installed Chrome version from the registry
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\BLBeacon" /v version
# macOS: check Chrome version from the command line
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
