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CVE-2023-4762 Type Confusion in V8 in Google Chrome
WNE Security Publisher
2/6/2024
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CVE-2023-4762 refers to a Type Confusion vulnerability discovered in the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome prior to version 116.0.5845.179. This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML page. The severity of this vulnerability has been rated as High, with a CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) Base Score of 8.8, indicating a high level of severity. According to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), the issue was addressed in Google Chrome versions prior to 116.0.5845.179.
The Affect of CVE-2023-4762
The vulnerability, CVE-2023-4762, specifically affects the V8 JavaScript engine utilized by Google Chrome. V8 is a core component of Chrome that processes JavaScript code, making it an essential part of Chrome’s functionality. Since V8 is integrated into Google Chrome, any system running a version of Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.179 could be at risk. This includes various operating systems where Chrome is available, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
The vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to exploit type confusion in V8, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. In a successful attack scenario, an attacker could craft a malicious webpage that, when visited by a user with a vulnerable version of Chrome, could execute code on the user’s system with the same privileges as the browser itself.
To mitigate this risk, users and administrators are advised to update Google Chrome to version 116.0.5845.179 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability.
Mitigations and Remediations for CVE-2023-4762
To mitigate and remediate the vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4762, the primary action is to update Google Chrome to a version that includes the necessary security patch. Here are detailed steps and recommendations:
Update Google Chrome: Ensure that your Google Chrome browser is updated to version 116.0.5845.179 or later. Google has addressed the vulnerability in this version, making it the most crucial step in protecting your system.
- On a computer, you can update Chrome by opening the browser, clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu, then navigating to Help > About Google Chrome. The browser will automatically check for updates and prompt you to relaunch it if an update is available.
- Organizations should expedite the deployment of the update across all systems to ensure comprehensive protection.
Automate Software Updates: Enable automatic updates for Google Chrome and other software to ensure that security patches are applied as soon as they are released. This reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.
User Awareness and Training: Educate users about the importance of updating their software and the risks associated with visiting untrusted websites or clicking on links from unknown sources. Awareness can significantly reduce the chances of successful exploitation.
Segmentation and Least Privilege: Apply network segmentation and the principle of least privilege to minimize the impact of a potential exploit. Ensure users operate with the minimum necessary permissions and segregate sensitive systems from general user access.
Use Security Software: Employ comprehensive security software that includes anti-malware and exploit protection capabilities. Such software can provide an additional layer of defense by detecting and blocking malicious activity.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement monitoring and alerting for suspicious activity on systems and networks. Early detection of exploitation attempts or unusual behavior can help in quickly responding to and mitigating potential threats.
Incident Response Plan: Have an incident response plan in place that includes procedures for responding to vulnerabilities and exploits. This should involve steps for investigation, containment, eradication, and recovery, as well as communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders.
By following these mitigation and remediation steps, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the risk associated with CVE-2023-4762 and protect their systems from potential exploitation.
Impact of CVE-2023-4762
The impact of CVE-2023-4762, a Type Confusion vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome, can be significant due to the following reasons:
Arbitrary Code Execution: The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for arbitrary code execution. An attacker can craft a malicious webpage that exploits the type confusion issue in V8. If visited by a user with a vulnerable version of Chrome, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the user’s system. This code runs with the same privileges as the Chrome browser, which could lead to a full compromise of the affected system if the user has administrative rights.
Unauthorized Access and Data Theft: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s system. This could lead to sensitive information being stolen, including personal data, login credentials, and financial information, depending on what data is accessible through the compromised browser or system.
Malware Installation: Attackers could use the vulnerability to install malware, ransomware, or other malicious software on the victim’s computer without their knowledge. This could lead to further exploitation, data loss, or ransom demands.
Loss of Productivity and Financial Loss: For organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial loss due to data breaches, system recovery efforts, and damage to reputation.
Spread of Compromise: Depending on the nature of the arbitrary code executed, an attacker could use a compromised system as a foothold within a network to launch further attacks against other systems, potentially spreading the compromise within an organization.
The severity of these impacts underscores the importance of promptly updating affected systems to mitigate the vulnerability. Google Chrome’s widespread usage across various platforms increases the potential attack surface, making timely patch management and user awareness crucial components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
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