CVE-2023-1528
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome's password management component that allows remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption. Attackers who have already compromised the renderer process can trigger this vulnerability via a crafted HTML page, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. All Chrome users prior to version 111.0.5563.110 are affected.
💻 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...
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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with the privileges of the Chrome process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Browser crash (denial of service) or limited information disclosure from memory corruption, though remote code execution is possible with additional exploitation techniques.
If Mitigated
No impact if Chrome is fully patched or if renderer process compromise is prevented through sandboxing and other security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires chaining with another vulnerability to first compromise the renderer process. The use-after-free itself could be triggered remotely via crafted HTML.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 111.0.5563.110 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_21.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome. 2. Click the three-dot menu → Help → About Google Chrome. 3. Chrome will automatically check for and install updates. 4. Click 'Relaunch' to restart Chrome with the update applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic password management
allTemporarily disable Chrome's password saving and autofill features to reduce attack surface
chrome://settings/passwords → Turn off 'Offer to save passwords' and 'Auto Sign-in'
Enable site isolation
allEnsure site isolation is enabled to contain renderer process compromises
chrome://flags/#site-isolation-trial-opt-out → Set to 'Disabled'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to untrusted websites and implement web filtering
- Use application control to prevent execution of unknown processes from Chrome
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version: If version is less than 111.0.5563.110, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: chrome://version/ | On Linux: google-chrome --version | On macOS: /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chrome version is 111.0.5563.110 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Chrome crash reports with memory corruption signatures
- Unusual process spawns from Chrome processes
Network Indicators:
- Requests to known exploit hosting domains
- Unusual outbound connections from Chrome processes
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Parent Process Name contains 'chrome.exe' and Command Line contains unusual parameters🔗 References
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_21.html
- https://crbug.com/1421773
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/FG3CRADL7IL5IHK4NCHG4LAYLKHFXETX/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/HO3QZY4UQFP4XNF43ILMVVOABMB7KAQ5/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/NGWWGQULJ7QRNP4GY57HE7OO7VMRWMPN/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202309-17
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_21.html
- https://crbug.com/1421773
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/FG3CRADL7IL5IHK4NCHG4LAYLKHFXETX/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/HO3QZY4UQFP4XNF43ILMVVOABMB7KAQ5/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/NGWWGQULJ7QRNP4GY57HE7OO7VMRWMPN/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202309-17
