In Chrome, UAFs have historically been a major source of critical security bugs, particularly within the browser process, which has direct access to sensitive user data and system resources. These flaws, rooted in improper memory management, have become a persistent threat vector for attackers seeking to bypass browser sandboxing and execute arbitrary code on victims’ machines. A typical exploitation technique involves heap spraying, where attackers fill memory with controlled data before triggering the UAF, aiming to overwrite virtual function tables (vTables) and hijack program control flow. Google Chrome has faced a series of high-profile security incidents involving Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerabilities, several of which have been actively exploited in the wild. As Chrome continues to harden its memory management, UAF vulnerabilities remain a critical focus for defenders and attackers alike. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit heap corruption via crafted HTML, bypassing Chrome’s defenses and potentially taking over the browser session. This can allow attackers to manipulate what resides at that memory location, potentially leading to data leakage, code execution, or denial of service. A sophisticated cyberattack campaign targeting vulnerable Microsoft SQL servers has been discovered, aiming to deploy remote access tools and privilege escalation malware. Attackers could exploit this flaw by enticing users to visit malicious web pages, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. To combat the constant stream of UAF vulnerabilities, Chrome has deployed MiraclePtr, a smart-pointer-like mechanism designed to make UAFs non-exploitable. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:10:08 +0000