External risk intelligence

Google Chrome Vulnerability Allows Code Execution Via Malicious Web Pages.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2018-17463

A vulnerability in Google Chrome's V8 engine allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within a sandbox via a crafted HTML page. This impacts organizations by potentially compromising employee systems and sensitive data, posing a significant business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Google Chrome

before 70.0.3538.676.09.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-17463

This vulnerability is located within the client-side web browser engine (V8). It requires a user to navigate to a crafted HTML page, meaning it is not a reachable internet-facing service, gateway, or management interface that can be attacked directly from the network in a typical deployment.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability affects the V8 JavaScript engine within Google Chrome. It permits a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code within a secure sandbox environment when a user accesses a specially crafted web page. This could lead to a compromise of system integrity and confidentiality.

  • Vulnerable component: V8 JavaScript engine in Chrome
  • Core weakness: Incorrect side effect annotation
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution within a sandbox

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code within a sandbox by leveraging an incorrect side effect annotation in the V8 engine. This is achieved through a specially crafted HTML page, leading to potential unauthorized access and control over the affected system. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass security boundaries, impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.

  • Exposure condition: Crafted HTML page is accessible.
  • Attacker starting point: Network access to the user.
  • Trigger and result: User interaction leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted HTML page. The attacker could potentially gain control over the user's session within the browser's sandbox. The impact on business operations could include data compromise or system disruption if the attacker successfully escapes the sandbox. Given its inclusion on the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, this threat warrants prompt attention.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Requires user interaction with a malicious page.
  • Significant business risk; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability, related to the V8 engine within Chrome, could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code within a sandbox by luring an organization's employees to a malicious HTML page. Such an attack could lead to the compromise of employee systems and sensitive data, posing a significant business risk if unaddressed.

  • Find affected Chrome installations.
  • Reduce exposure via user training.
  • Apply vendor fixes and verify.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is the V8 JavaScript engine used for in Google Chrome?

The V8 JavaScript engine is a core component within Google Chrome responsible for executing JavaScript code. It enables dynamic and interactive features on web pages, making websites function as applications. This engine is fundamental to the browser's ability to render and run complex web content.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2018-17463?

CVE-2018-17463 is an incorrect side effect annotation vulnerability within the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome. This weakness allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the browser's sandbox through a specially crafted HTML page.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2018-17463?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious HTML page. When a user is tricked into visiting this page, the flawed side effect annotation in the V8 engine can be triggered, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the user's browser sandbox.

What is the potential impact of CVE-2018-17463 on an organization?

This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by luring employees to a malicious HTML page. Such an attack could lead to the compromise of employee systems and sensitive data, posing a significant business risk if unaddressed. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this is unlikely to be a direct internet-facing attack, but rather relies on user interaction.

What practical steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Chrome installations, apply vendor-provided fixes, and verify that updates have been successfully implemented. Reducing exposure can also involve user training to recognize and avoid visiting suspicious web pages. Monitoring for related security issues is also recommended.

References