External risk intelligence

Google Chrome Sandbox Escape Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-2136

An integer overflow in Google Chrome's Skia component may allow an attacker to escape the browser sandbox. Affected organizations face risks including potential unauthorized access to data and system compromise. This vulnerability requires an attacker to have already compromised the renderer process.

4Halo Surface Signal

Integer Overflow

Google Chrome

before 112.0.5615.13711.0363738

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-2136

The vulnerability resides in the web browser renderer, which is designed to process untrusted external content from the internet. Because web browsers are routinely used to access public-facing websites, the attack surface is exposed to the internet during normal operation.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An integer overflow flaw exists within the Skia graphics library used by Google Chrome. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to escape the browser's security sandbox. Exploiting this could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system compromise.

  • Skia graphics library
  • Integer overflow flaw
  • Sandbox escape and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit an integer overflow vulnerability within the Skia component of Google Chrome. This vulnerability allows for a potential sandbox escape. This attack requires the attacker to first gain control of the renderer process.

  • Malicious HTML page is loaded.
  • Renderer process is compromised.
  • Attacker escapes sandbox.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to escape the browser's sandbox, leading to broader system compromise. The attack requires an attacker to have already compromised the renderer process, implying a multi-step attack or a separate initial vulnerability. The potential for data theft and system control poses a significant business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill: Advanced
  • Required access: Compromised renderer process
  • Business risk: High urgency

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An integer overflow in the Skia component of Google Chrome allows a remote attacker to escape the sandbox. This vulnerability could impact organizations by potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems. Understanding and mitigating this risk is crucial for maintaining system security and protecting sensitive data.

  • Identify all Chrome installations.
  • Apply vendor updates promptly.
  • Verify fix deployment.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Google Chrome and the Skia library?

Google Chrome is a widely used web browser. The Skia library is a 2D graphics rendering engine that Chrome utilizes to display text, images, and shapes on web pages.

What type of vulnerability does CVE-2023-2136 describe?

CVE-2023-2136 describes an integer overflow vulnerability. This occurs when a program attempts to store a number exceeding its allocated memory, potentially causing crashes or unintended code execution.

How might an attacker exploit the Chrome vulnerability?

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a crafted HTML page. This could lead to a sandbox escape after compromising the renderer process.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-2136, as noted in the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Likely' threat because the vulnerability is in the web browser renderer, which processes untrusted external content from the internet, exposing it to a wide attack surface during normal operation.

What steps should be taken to address this Chrome vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Chrome installations, apply vendor updates promptly, verify the deployment of these fixes, and monitor for any related suspicious activity to mitigate the risk.

References