CVE-2023-5997 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record for CVE-2023-5997 was assigned by Chrome and published on November 15, 2023. It pertains to a vulnerability in Google Chrome that allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2023-5997

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-5997, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2023-5997?

CVE-2023-5997 involves a "Use after free" vulnerability in Garbage Collection in Google Chrome versions prior to 119.0.6045.159. This flaw could be exploited by a remote attacker through a specially crafted HTML page, potentially leading to heap corruption. The severity of this vulnerability was rated as High by Chromium security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5997

The impact of CVE-2023-5997 could result in unauthorized remote access to the affected system, data theft, or further compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5997

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5997, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Google Chrome allowed a remote attacker to conduct heap corruption by exploiting a Use after free issue in Garbage Collection. This could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code or denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 119.0.6045.159 were impacted by CVE-2023-5997. Users with these versions installed were vulnerable to the exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-5997 involved a remote attacker sending a victim a specially crafted HTML page. Upon opening the page in an affected Chrome browser, the attacker could trigger the Use after free vulnerability to achieve heap corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-5997, it is essential to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their Google Chrome browser to version 119.0.6045.159 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, exercising caution when interacting with untrusted websites or content can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining regular software updates, utilizing security software, and staying informed about security advisories can enhance overall system security and help prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google released a stable channel update addressing CVE-2023-5997. Users are advised to apply the patch promptly to eliminate the vulnerability and protect their systems from potential exploitation.