CVE-2023-7024 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the WebRTC component of Google Chrome prior to version 120.0.6099.129. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a widely used technology enabling peer-to-peer audio, video, and data sharing directly between browsers without plugins. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers on the heap, which can be corrupted when processing specially crafted HTML content designed to exploit this flaw. This heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing an attacker to run malicious code within the context of the browser. The attack vector is remote and requires no prior authentication, but user interaction is necessary, typically by visiting a malicious or compromised website. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with ease of exploitation (network attack vector, low attack complexity). While no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and severity make it a significant threat, especially for organizations relying on Chrome for secure communications. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. Google has addressed this issue in Chrome version 120.0.6099.129, and users are strongly advised to update to this or later versions to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-7024 is substantial. Since Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers across Europe, a successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to data breaches, espionage, or disruption of services. Organizations using WebRTC-based applications for video conferencing, telephony, or real-time data exchange are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw lies within this component. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers gain access to sensitive communications or credentials. Integrity and availability could also be affected if attackers manipulate browser behavior or cause crashes, disrupting business operations. Given the increasing reliance on remote work and digital communications in Europe, this vulnerability poses a risk to both private and public sectors, including critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government agencies. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after public disclosure.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Chrome installations to version 120.0.6099.129 or later without delay. Automated patch management systems should be leveraged to ensure rapid deployment across endpoints. Network-level protections such as web filtering and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to block access to known malicious sites and suspicious HTML content that could exploit WebRTC. Organizations should also consider disabling or restricting WebRTC functionality in Chrome where it is not essential, using browser policies or extensions, to reduce the attack surface. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking on unknown links, as user interaction is required for exploitation. Monitoring browser crash reports and unusual network activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.