CVE-2017-5114 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-5114 was published on October 27, 2017, and affects Google Chrome versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android. The vulnerability involves an inappropriate use of partition alloc in PDFium, potentially leading to memory corruption when processing a specially crafted PDF file.

Understanding CVE-2017-5114

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in Google Chrome that could be exploited by a remote attacker through a malicious PDF file.

What is CVE-2017-5114?

The vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, arises from the improper implementation of partition alloc in PDFium. This flaw could allow an attacker to corrupt memory by tricking a user into opening a crafted PDF document.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5114

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in memory corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. A remote attacker could trigger the flaw by enticing a user to open a specially crafted PDF file.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5114

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The inappropriate use of partition alloc in PDFium in Google Chrome versions prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android, allows a remote attacker to exploit memory corruption through a maliciously crafted PDF file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome prior to 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac
Google Chrome 61.0.3163.81 for Android

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker through the use of a specifically crafted PDF file, which, when opened by a user, triggers memory corruption within the PDFium component of Google Chrome.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-5114 and enhance overall security, users and organizations should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 61.0.3163.79 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 61.0.3163.81 for Android to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement security awareness training to educate users about the risks associated with opening files from unfamiliar sources.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Google Chrome is regularly updated to the latest stable version to receive security patches and enhancements.