CVE-2017-5014 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android. Learn about the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability was discovered in Skia, a library used in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and version 56.0.2924.87 for Android. The vulnerability, known as a heap buffer overflow, enabled a remote attacker to carry out a memory read beyond the boundaries of allocated memory. This exploit was made possible through a specially crafted HTML page.
Understanding CVE-2017-5014
This CVE entry describes a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Google Chrome.
What is CVE-2017-5014?
CVE-2017-5014 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in Skia, a library used in specific versions of Google Chrome for various operating systems.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5014
The vulnerability allowed a remote attacker to execute a memory read beyond the allocated memory, potentially leading to unauthorized access or information disclosure.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5014
This section provides technical details of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Skia in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android, enabled a remote attacker to perform an out-of-bounds memory read via a specially crafted HTML page.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Google Chrome prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Google Chrome 56.0.2924.87 for Android
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploit was triggered by a heap buffer overflow during image processing in Skia, allowing the attacker to perform an out-of-bounds memory read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5014 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android.
- Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network security measures to detect and prevent similar exploits.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Google Chrome to address the CVE-2017-5014 vulnerability.