CVE-2023-6706
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Chrome's FedCM (Federated Credential Management) component that allows heap corruption. Attackers can exploit it by tricking users into interacting with malicious UI elements on crafted web pages. All Chrome users prior to version 120.0.6099.109 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...
Learn more about Chrome →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to full system compromise, data theft, or malware installation.
Likely Case
Browser crash (denial of service) or limited information disclosure from memory corruption.
If Mitigated
No impact if Chrome is updated to patched version or if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction with malicious UI elements. No public exploit code available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 120.0.6099.109 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_12.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome. 2. Click 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.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable FedCM
allTemporarily disable Federated Credential Management feature via Chrome flags
chrome://flags/#fedcm
Set to 'Disabled'
Use Chrome sandboxing
allEnsure Chrome sandbox is enabled to limit potential impact
chrome://sandbox/
Verify sandbox status is 'Enabled'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to untrusted websites using web filtering or proxy controls
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized browser execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version: If version is less than 120.0.6099.109, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
chrome://version/ or 'google-chrome --version' on LinuxVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chrome version is 120.0.6099.109 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Chrome crash reports with FedCM-related stack traces
- Unexpected browser process termination events
Network Indicators:
- Requests to suspicious domains with FedCM-related parameters
- Unusual federated authentication attempts
SIEM Query:
source="chrome_logs" AND (event="crash" OR event="process_termination") AND process="chrome"🔗 References
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_12.html
- https://crbug.com/1500921
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/6NWZ23ZJ62XKWVNGHSIZQYILVJWH5BLI/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_12.html
- https://crbug.com/1500921
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/6NWZ23ZJ62XKWVNGHSIZQYILVJWH5BLI/
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34
