CVE-2023-7012
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Google Chrome allows an attacker who convinces a user to install a malicious application to potentially escape Chrome's sandbox via a malicious file. It affects Chrome users on all platforms who haven't updated to version 117.0.5938.62 or later. The attacker needs user interaction to install a malicious app first.
💻 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
Complete system compromise through sandbox escape, allowing attacker to execute arbitrary code with user privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges.
Likely Case
Limited sandbox escape allowing access to user files and system resources that would normally be protected by Chrome's sandbox, potentially leading to data theft or further exploitation.
If Mitigated
No impact if Chrome is updated to patched version or if users don't install untrusted applications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install a malicious application first, then leveraging the vulnerability for sandbox escape. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 117.0.5938.62
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_12.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome. 2. Click the three-dot menu. 3. Go to Help > About Google Chrome. 4. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install version 117.0.5938.62 or later. 5. Click 'Relaunch' to restart Chrome.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic app installations
allPrevent automatic installation of applications from unknown sources
Use Chrome's enhanced security mode
allEnable enhanced protection in Chrome security settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to install applications
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized app installations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version in Settings > About Chrome. If version is below 117.0.5938.62, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
chrome://version/ or 'google-chrome --version' on Linux/macOS command lineVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Chrome version is 117.0.5938.62 or higher in Settings > About Chrome.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Chrome crashes
- Permission prompt anomalies
- Unexpected application installations
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious applications
- Connections to known malicious domains after app installation
SIEM Query:
source="chrome" AND (event="crash" OR event="permission_prompt") AND version<"117.0.5938.62"