CVE-2023-5852 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the printing component of Google Chrome versions prior to 119.0.6045.105. This vulnerability arises when the browser mishandles memory during specific user interface (UI) gestures related to printing operations, leading to heap corruption. A use-after-free flaw occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, which can result in unpredictable behavior including crashes, data corruption, or arbitrary code execution. In this case, a remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to perform certain UI interactions, such as initiating a print command or manipulating print dialogs, which triggers the underlying memory corruption. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level with the potential for significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser, potentially leading to full system compromise or data theft. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the high severity and ease of exploitation via social engineering make this a critical risk. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. The lack of a publicly available patch at the time of reporting increases the urgency for mitigation through other means.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-5852 is significant due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as a primary web browser across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given that the vulnerability targets the printing functionality, organizations with heavy reliance on digital document workflows and printing services are particularly at risk. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers execute code to extract data or install malware. Integrity may be affected if attackers alter documents or system configurations. Availability could be disrupted by crashes or denial-of-service conditions triggered by heap corruption. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trick employees into triggering the exploit, increasing the risk in environments with less cybersecurity awareness. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, especially as threat actors often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. European organizations operating in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration must prioritize addressing this vulnerability to maintain compliance and protect critical assets.

1. Immediate update to Google Chrome version 119.0.6045.105 or later once the patch is released to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. Until patching is possible, restrict or disable printing functionality in Chrome via group policies or enterprise management tools, especially for high-risk user groups. 3. Implement strict user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering tactics that could lead to triggering the exploit. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual browser behavior or heap corruption indicators. 5. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential code execution within the browser context. 6. Enforce network segmentation to reduce the risk of lateral movement if a browser compromise occurs. 7. Regularly audit and monitor print server logs and browser usage patterns for anomalies. 8. Coordinate with IT to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain an inventory of Chrome versions in use across the organization. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the vulnerable feature (printing), enhancing detection capabilities, and reducing the attack surface through policy enforcement.