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Introduction

A critical security vulnerability, CVE-2024-8362, was discovered in Google Chrome's WebAudio implementation. This bug lets remote attackers potentially cause heap corruption and even execute code, simply by luring victims to a crafted HTML page. The issue impacts Chrome versions before 128..6613.119 and is considered highly severe by the Chromium Security Team.

This article explains CVE-2024-8362 in simple terms, shows how the bug works, and provides both reference links and a code snippet illustrating the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2024-8362?

CVE-2024-8362 is a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in Chrome’s WebAudio component. A use-after-free happens when a program continues using a chunk of memory after it has been freed — leading to undefined behavior. In the context of browsers, this often means an attacker can craft JavaScript that forces the browser to access these freed memory sections, sometimes taking control or crashing the software.

In this specific case, clever usage of the WebAudio API—such as creating and connecting/disconnecting audio nodes—could cause Chrome to free (delete) objects still referenced elsewhere, making the browser misbehave when accessing already-released memory.

Type: Heap corruption via Use-After-Free

- Remote Exploit: Yes, with crafted HTML/JavaScript page

Official References

- Chromium Issue Tracker: 414429
- Chrome Releases (128..6613.119)
- NVD Entry for CVE-2024-8362 *(if/when available)*

User visits attacker’s web page.

2. The attacker’s JavaScript creates specific WebAudio nodes and connections, then detaches or modifies them in a certain order.

Example Code Snippet: The Basics

Below is a simple example that shows the concept (not a real working exploit) of how manipulating WebAudio nodes may trigger a use-after-free. Use responsibly!

<!-- WARNING: Do not use this on non-test systems! -->
<html>
  <body>
    <script>
      let ctx = new AudioContext();
      let src = ctx.createBufferSource();
      let gain = ctx.createGain();
      src.buffer = ctx.createBuffer(1, 10, 44100);

      // Step 1: Connect nodes
      src.connect(gain);
      gain.connect(ctx.destination);

      // Step 2: Disconnect and try to manipulate freed node
      src.disconnect();
      setTimeout(() => {
        // This may use already-freed memory in vulnerable versions
        src.start(); // Triggers use-after-free under certain conditions
      }, 100);
    </script>
    <h2>WebAudio Use-After-Free Demo (for educational purposes)</h2>
  </body>
</html>

Note: Modern, patched browsers are not affected and will ignore or throw a safe error.

Update your browser as soon as possible.

- If running old versions (in enterprise, labs, or outdated environments), upgrade immediately or restrict access to untrusted websites.

Final Notes

This vulnerability highlights how modern web APIs, especially those involving low-level access like WebAudio, can hide dangerous bugs. Always maintain updated browsers and educate others about the risks of delayed patching.

For Developers and Security Researchers:
Review WebAudio best practices, avoid dangling references, and regularly fuzz-test interfaces accepting user input.

References

- Chromium WebAudio API Docs
- Chromium Bug Tracker for CVE-2024-8362
- Chrome Security Blog

Timeline

Published on: 09/03/2024 23:15:23 UTC
Last modified on: 09/04/2024 14:35:16 UTC