^{CVE-2023-2033:}Type confusion vulnerability in V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome prior to 112.0.5615.121

Overview

This vulnerability affects the V8 JavaScript engine, which is the core component responsible for executing JavaScript code in Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The type confusion vulnerability occurs when the browser incorrectly handles object types during JavaScript execution, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory in ways that weren't intended. This can lead to heap corruption, which attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive information, or cause browser crashes. The vulnerability requires user interaction, typically by visiting a maliciously crafted webpage that contains JavaScript code designed to exploit this flaw.

Remediation

Users should update to Google Chrome version 112.0.5615.121 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. The update can be installed through Chrome's built-in update mechanism or by downloading the latest version from the official Chrome website.

For system administrators:

1. Deploy the patched version of Chrome across all systems
2. Consider implementing a web filtering solution to block known malicious websites
3. Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites
4. If using Chromium in embedded applications or products, ensure you update to a patched version

For Linux distributions using Chromium packages, apply the relevant security updates provided by your distribution (Fedora, Debian, and Gentoo have released updates as noted in the references).

References

1. Chrome Release Blog: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/04/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_14.html
2. Chromium Bug Tracker: https://crbug.com/1432210 (requires permissions to access)
3. Fedora Security Advisories:
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/4AOSGAOPXLBK4A5ZRTVZ4M6QKVLSWMWG/
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/ES2CDRHR2Y4WY6DNDIAPYZFXJU3ZBFAV/
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/FEJZMAUB4XP44HSHEBDWEKFGA7DUHY42/
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/IHHD6KNH4WLUE6JG6HRQZWNAJMHJ32X7/
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/RJQI63HWZFL6M26Q6UOHKDY6LD2PFC5Z/
   • https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/SLO7BL2MHZYPY6O3OAEAQL3SKYMGGO6M/
4. Gentoo Security Advisory: https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202309-17
5. Couchbase Security Alerts: https://www.couchbase.com/alerts/
6. Debian Security Advisory: https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5390