CVE-2023-1227
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome's Core component on Lacros that allows heap corruption through crafted UI interactions. Attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code or cause crashes by tricking users into specific UI actions. Affects Chrome users on Lacros systems before version 111.0.5563.64.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Chrome
- Chromium-based browsers
📦 What is this software?
Chrome by Google
Google Chrome is the world's most popular web browser, used by over 3 billion users globally across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. As a Chromium-based browser developed by Google, Chrome dominates the browser market with approximately 65% market share, making it a critical compon...
Learn more about Chrome →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to full system compromise, data theft, or persistent malware installation
Likely Case
Browser crash, denial of service, or limited memory corruption leading to instability
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if user avoids malicious UI interactions
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction with crafted UI elements; no public exploit code available
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 111.0.5563.64 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome
2. Click menu (three dots) → Help → About Google Chrome
3. Chrome will automatically check for and install updates
4. Click 'Relaunch' to restart Chrome with the update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript
allPrevents malicious UI interactions that could trigger the vulnerability
chrome://settings/content/javascript → Block
Use Chrome Sandbox
allEnsure Chrome sandbox is enabled to limit impact if exploited
Check chrome://sandbox/ for sandbox status
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user access to untrusted websites
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version in settings; if below 111.0.5563.64, you are vulnerableCheck Version:
google-chrome --version (Linux) or check chrome://settings/helpVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chrome version is 111.0.5563.64 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Chrome crash reports
- Unexpected process termination
- Memory access violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections after UI interaction
- Traffic to known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="chrome" AND (event_type="crash" OR error="access_violation")