CVE-2023-5854
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome's Profiles feature that could allow heap corruption. Attackers can exploit it by tricking users into performing specific UI gestures. All Chrome users prior to version 119.0.6045.105 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 leading to full system compromise, data theft, or malware installation.
Likely Case
Browser crash or instability, with potential for limited data exposure or sandbox escape.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; Chrome's sandbox may limit damage if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction with specific UI gestures, but no authentication needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 119.0.6045.105 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome. 2. Click three-dot menu → Help → About Google Chrome. 3. Chrome will check for and install updates automatically. 4. Click 'Relaunch' to restart Chrome.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript
allPrevents exploitation by disabling JavaScript execution, but breaks most websites.
Use Chrome Enterprise policies
windowsRestrict browser features via Group Policy or administrative templates.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative browsers until patching is possible.
- Implement network filtering to block malicious websites and restrict browser usage.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version in Settings → About Chrome. If version is below 119.0.6045.105, it's vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: "chrome://version/" in address bar. On Linux/macOS: google-chrome --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chrome version is 119.0.6045.105 or higher in About Chrome.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Chrome crash reports
- Unexpected process termination logs
- Security event logs showing exploit attempts
Network Indicators:
- Traffic to known malicious domains hosting exploit code
- Unusual outbound connections after user visits suspicious sites
SIEM Query:
source="chrome_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="security_violation") AND version<"119.0.6045.105"🔗 References
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html
- https://crbug.com/1488267
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/2MHLJRFWZNY6BFOW25Q4FEESVWZKS4C2/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/EBA4KD5ZSV6XWWFLVR5UBYKKNOYMH33H/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PHWLT3M2AQDFD7RNAM3NJMYUC5KHMO5V/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202311-11
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202312-07
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34
- https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5546
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html
- https://crbug.com/1488267
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/2MHLJRFWZNY6BFOW25Q4FEESVWZKS4C2/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/EBA4KD5ZSV6XWWFLVR5UBYKKNOYMH33H/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PHWLT3M2AQDFD7RNAM3NJMYUC5KHMO5V/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202311-11
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202312-07
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34
- https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5546
