External risk intelligence

Google Chrome Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-4762

A vulnerability in Google Chrome allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML page, impacting organizations using affected browsers. This could lead to unauthorized code execution, data compromise, and system disruption.

4Halo Surface Signal

Google Chrome

before 116.0.5845.17911.012.0373839before 116.0.1938.76

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-4762

This vulnerability affects web browsers (Chrome, Edge), which are client-side applications designed to interact with arbitrary, public-internet content. While client-side, the attack surface is the ubiquitous consumption of web pages, making it highly common for browsers to be exposed to malicious, internet-borne content during normal daily operation.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine within Google Chrome can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. This occurs when a user visits a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially gain control over affected systems.

  • Vulnerable component: V8 engine in Chrome
  • Core weakness: Type confusion flaw
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker could exploit a type confusion vulnerability within the V8 JavaScript engine to execute arbitrary code. This attack is facilitated through a specially crafted HTML page, leading to potential system compromise.

  • Exposure via a crafted HTML page.
  • Attacker initiates with a user accessing the page.
  • Triggering action results in arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant threat, as it allows for remote code execution through a crafted webpage. Attackers with moderate technical skill could leverage this to compromise systems. The impact could include data theft, system disruption, and the deployment of further malicious software. Given the potential for widespread impact and the documented exploitation, this issue warrants urgent attention.

  • Likely attacker skill: Moderate.
  • Required access: None.
  • Business risk: High urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A type confusion vulnerability in Google Chrome could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through a crafted HTML page. This impacts organizations using affected versions of the browser, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution on employee systems. Business risk includes data compromise and system disruption.

  • Find affected browsers.
  • Isolate vulnerable systems.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify.
  • Monitor for related incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the V8 engine in Google Chrome and what is it used for?

The V8 engine is the JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. It is responsible for executing JavaScript code, which is essential for making web pages interactive and functional. When you visit a website, the V8 engine processes its scripts to display content, run applications, and enable dynamic features.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-4762 represent?

CVE-2023-4762 is a type confusion vulnerability. This means that the software incorrectly handles different data types, leading to unexpected behavior. In this specific case, an attacker can exploit this confusion to execute arbitrary code, potentially taking control of the affected system.

How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability in CVE-2023-4762?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability is not triggered by simply having the software installed; it requires the user to interact with malicious web content. Visiting such a page can lead to arbitrary code execution without further user interaction.

Who should be concerned about this CVE-2023-4762 threat?

Anyone using affected versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge should be concerned. According to the Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability affects client-side applications that interact with the internet, indicating a likely exposure. This means that regular internet users are at risk when browsing websites.

What are the first steps for responding to CVE-2023-4762?

The immediate first step is to identify all systems running affected versions of the browser. Organizations should then apply the latest security updates released by the vendors for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It is also advisable to monitor for any unusual activity or signs of compromise on user systems.

References