CVE-2023-2136 is an integer overflow vulnerability identified in the Skia graphics library component of Google Chrome prior to version 112.0.5615.137. Skia is a widely used 2D graphics library responsible for rendering graphical content within the browser. The integer overflow occurs when processing certain crafted graphical data embedded in HTML pages, which can lead to memory corruption. An attacker who has already compromised the renderer process—typically through a separate exploit or malicious web content—can leverage this overflow to perform a sandbox escape. Sandbox escapes are critical because they allow code running in the restricted renderer process to break out into the broader operating system environment, potentially gaining elevated privileges and executing arbitrary code outside the browser sandbox. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6, reflecting its critical nature with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is network-based (remote), requires no privileges, but does require user interaction (e.g., visiting a malicious web page). The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially compromised renderer process. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the potential for sandbox escape makes this a high-risk vulnerability that attackers may target in the future. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound), a common software weakness that can lead to memory corruption and exploitation. Google has released Chrome version 112.0.5615.137 to address this issue, and users are strongly advised to update immediately.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-2136 is significant due to the widespread use of Google Chrome in enterprise, government, and public sectors. A successful exploit could allow attackers to escape the browser sandbox, leading to full system compromise on affected endpoints. This can result in data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the criticality of the vulnerability and the high likelihood of exploitation once public exploits emerge, organizations face increased risk of targeted attacks, especially those exposed to web-based threats or relying heavily on Chrome for daily operations. The compromise of endpoints in critical infrastructure, financial institutions, or government agencies could have severe consequences for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in phishing campaigns or drive-by downloads, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk remains high.

1. Immediate update of all Google Chrome installations to version 112.0.5615.137 or later to apply the official patch addressing CVE-2023-2136. 2. Implement strict web content filtering and block access to untrusted or suspicious websites to reduce exposure to malicious HTML pages. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and alerting on anomalous renderer process behavior or sandbox escape attempts. 4. Harden browser sandbox configurations where possible, including disabling unnecessary plugins or features that increase attack surface. 5. Educate users on the risks of interacting with unknown or suspicious web content to reduce the likelihood of user-driven exploitation. 6. Regularly audit and update all software dependencies, including graphics libraries, to minimize vulnerabilities. 7. Use network segmentation to limit the impact of potential endpoint compromises and prevent lateral movement. 8. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability to enable rapid response. 9. Consider deploying application allowlisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code post-exploitation. 10. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to verify the effectiveness of mitigations.