CVE-2007-3150 in Google
Summary
by MITRE
Google Desktop allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a man-in-the-middle attack that injects JavaScript, a www.google.com search IFRAME, and a META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" that targets a www.google.com search for a local .exe file, which is displayed in the "results stored on your computer" portion of the search results, and when clicked invokes Google Desktop to execute this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3150 represents a sophisticated man-in-the-middle attack vector that exploits Google Desktop's search result handling mechanism to execute arbitrary programs on vulnerable systems. This security flaw demonstrates how web-based search interfaces can be manipulated to bypass traditional security boundaries and deliver malicious payloads directly to users' local machines. The attack leverages the trust relationship between Google Desktop and its web-based search infrastructure, creating a dangerous pathway for remote code execution through seemingly legitimate search results.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves several key components that work in concert to achieve execution. Attackers inject malicious JavaScript code into search results through a man-in-the-middle position, typically by compromising network traffic between users and Google's servers. The attack specifically targets the inclusion of an iframe element pointing to www.google.com search results, combined with a META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" tag that redirects users to a search for local executable files. This technique exploits Google Desktop's display mechanism for "results stored on your computer" which presents local files alongside web search results, creating a false sense of security around locally stored content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass a comprehensive attack chain that can compromise entire user environments. When users click on the malicious search result, Google Desktop automatically executes the targeted .exe file, bypassing traditional security controls that would normally prevent automatic execution of downloaded files. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Google Desktop for both web searching and local file management, creating a dangerous intersection where web-based attacks can directly impact local system security. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a search result, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns.
This vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving execution through search result manipulation and man-in-the-middle attacks. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to insufficient input validation and trust assumptions in web-based applications. The attack exploits the trust model between Google Desktop and its search infrastructure, where legitimate search results are treated as safe without proper verification of content integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple layers of defense to prevent the exploitation of such man-in-the-middle attack vectors. Network administrators should implement strict traffic monitoring and inspection to detect anomalous iframe injections and META refresh tags in search result data. Users should be educated about the risks of clicking on unexpected search results and the importance of verifying file sources before execution. Google Desktop should implement additional validation mechanisms for search results, particularly those involving local file execution. The most effective long-term solution involves implementing proper content integrity verification and ensuring that search results cannot be manipulated to execute local programs without explicit user confirmation. Security updates should address the root cause by modifying how Google Desktop handles search result display and execution permissions for local files.