Google has issued critical security updates for its Chrome web browser following the identification of a severe zero-day vulnerability. This flaw, labeled as CVE-2023-7024, has already been exploited in active attacks, prompting urgent measures from the tech giant.
Described as a heap-based buffer overflow error within the WebRTC framework, this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to crash programs or execute arbitrary code. Researchers Clément Lecigne and Vlad Stolyarov from Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) discovered the flaw and reported it on December 19, 2023. As a preventive strategy, Google has withheld additional details regarding the vulnerability to mitigate the risk of exploitation by threat actors.
The recognition of CVE-2023-7024 marks the eighth actively exploited zero-day flaw in Chrome in 2023 alone. This year’s vulnerabilities have included critical issues like type confusion in V8 and heap buffer overflows affecting other components, reflecting an alarming trend in cybersecurity threats targeting widely-used web browsers.
As WebRTC is an open-source framework utilized by other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari, the extent of the vulnerability’s impact across different platforms remains unclear. Google has acknowledged that exploits for CVE-2023-7024 are present in the wild, indicating that businesses and users should take this threat seriously.
In total, more than 26,447 vulnerabilities have been reported in 2023, exceeding last year’s count by over 1,500 CVEs. Among these, 115 vulnerabilities have been actively exploited by cybercriminals and ransomware groups, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to bolster their cybersecurity measures. According to data compiled by Qualys, common attack vectors include remote code execution, privilege escalation, and security feature bypasses.
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, users should update to Chrome version 120.0.6099.129/130 for Windows and 120.0.6099.129 for macOS and Linux. It is also advisable for users of Chromium-based browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Brave, to apply the available fixes promptly, as these vulnerabilities extend beyond Chrome.
As businesses assess their cybersecurity posture, familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework can deepen their understanding of potential attacker tactics. Initial access, privilege escalation, and exploitation techniques are likely methods corresponding with the tactics employed in exploiting this zero-day vulnerability.
In conclusion, as cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and promptly addressing vulnerabilities within tech infrastructures is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business integrity.
