CVE-2022-2294
WebRTC Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2022-2294 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in WebRTC, the open-source project providing real-time communication capabilities to web browsers. The vulnerability allows an attacker to perform shellcode execution through a heap buffer overflow in the WebRTC component. Since WebRTC is integrated into all major web browsers including Google Chrome, the vulnerability can be exploited by simply visiting a malicious website, requiring no additional software or plugins. CISA has added CVE-2022-2294 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a confirmed association to ransomware campaigns, and the EPSS score of 1.17% (78th percentile) indicates ongoing exploitation activity.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| chrome | < 103.0.5060.114 | |
| fedoraproject | extra packages for enterprise linux | 8.0 |
| fedoraproject | fedora | 35; 36 |
| webkitgtk | webkitgtk | < 2.36.5 |
| wpewebkit | wpe webkit | < 2.36.5 |
| apple | ipados | < 15.6 |
| apple | iphone os | < 15.6 |
| apple | mac os x | < 10.15.7; 10.15.7 |
| apple | macos | < 11.6.8; >= 12.0, < 12.5 |
| apple | tvos | < 15.6 |
| apple | watchos | < 8.7 |
| webrtc project | webrtc | - |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/07/28/2(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2022/07/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html(Release Notes, Vendor Advisory)
- https://crbug.com/1341043(Permissions Required)
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5BQRTR4SIUNIHLLPWTGYSDNQK7DYCRSB/(Broken Link)
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/H2C4XOJVIILDXTOSMWJXHSQNEXFWSOD7/(Broken Link)
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-35(Third Party Advisory)
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-39(Third Party Advisory)
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202311-11(Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-2294(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2022-2294 exploits a heap-based buffer overflow weakness in the WebRTC implementation, where data is written beyond the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer during the processing of real-time communication data. Heap buffer overflows corrupt dynamically allocated memory structures, allowing an attacker to manipulate heap metadata, redirect execution flow, and ultimately achieve arbitrary code execution within the browser process.
Learn more: CWE-122 — Heap-based Buffer Overflow
Impact Analysis
CVE-2022-2294 presents a critical browser security threat affecting all users of browsers that incorporate the WebRTC library. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network by convincing a user to visit a malicious website or loading malicious WebRTC content. The attack complexity is relatively high as it requires precise heap manipulation, but once successful, the attacker achieves shellcode execution within the browser process. This can lead to complete compromise of the user's browsing session, theft of cookies, passwords, and session tokens, access to other browser-stored data, installation of malware on the user's system, and potential escape from the browser sandbox to compromise the operating system. The confirmed association with ransomware campaigns makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as browser-based exploitation can lead directly to ransomware deployment.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2022-2294 in the wild and has specifically flagged it as being associated with ransomware campaigns. The EPSS score of 1.17% (78th percentile) indicates moderate exploitation probability, consistent with the higher technical complexity required for reliable heap buffer overflow exploitation in modern browsers with heap hardening protections. Despite this complexity, the vulnerability has been successfully weaponized in targeted attacks. Google disclosed the vulnerability was exploited as a zero-day prior to the patch being available. No public proof-of-concept exploit code is widely available, suggesting the exploit is primarily used by sophisticated threat actors.
Remediation
- Update web browsers immediately: Per the CISA KEV required action, apply updates per vendor instructions. Update Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers to versions that include the WebRTC fix. For Safari, update to the patched WebKit version.
- Enable automatic browser updates: Configure all managed browsers to automatically download and install security updates to minimize the window of exposure for future WebRTC and browser vulnerabilities.
- Deploy browser isolation for high-risk users: Implement remote browser isolation (RBI) for users who frequently access untrusted websites, ensuring that browser-based exploits execute in isolated environments rather than on endpoint devices.
- Restrict WebRTC if not required: For environments where real-time communication features are not needed, consider disabling WebRTC in browser configurations or using browser policies to control WebRTC access.
- Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR): Deploy EDR solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts, shellcode execution, and post-exploitation activity originating from browser processes, particularly unexpected child processes or memory manipulation patterns.
Technical Details
CVE-2022-2294 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) library that is integrated into major web browsers for enabling peer-to-peer audio, video, and data sharing functionality. The vulnerability exists in the processing of WebRTC data, where insufficient bounds checking on input data leads to a write operation that exceeds the boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer. An attacker can trigger this overflow by providing specially crafted WebRTC signaling or media data through a malicious web page. The heap corruption enables the attacker to manipulate heap metadata and adjacent heap objects to achieve arbitrary code execution — a technique commonly known as heap spraying combined with heap feng shui. The CVSS vector reflects network-based exploitation requiring user interaction (visiting a malicious page), though once the user navigates to the page, no further interaction is needed for exploitation. The vulnerability was exploited as a zero-day before Google released the Chrome patch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2022-2294 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2022-2294 and has identified it as being associated with ransomware campaigns. The vulnerability was exploited as a zero-day before patches were available. The EPSS score of 1.17% (78th percentile) reflects ongoing but targeted exploitation activity.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-2294?
CVE-2022-2294 affects the WebRTC library, which is integrated into all major web browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and other Chromium-based browsers. Any browser using the vulnerable WebRTC version is affected.
How do I fix CVE-2022-2294?
Update all web browsers to their latest versions that include the WebRTC security fix. For Chrome, update to the version released after the security advisory. Enable automatic browser updates across all managed devices to ensure rapid patch deployment.
How severe is CVE-2022-2294?
CVE-2022-2294 is a critical heap buffer overflow vulnerability that enables shellcode execution through web browser exploitation. With confirmed zero-day exploitation and association with ransomware campaigns, it represents a significant threat. The EPSS score of 1.17% (78th percentile) reflects targeted exploitation by sophisticated threat actors.
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