CVE-2008-6996 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome BETA (0.2.149.27) does not prompt the user before saving an executable file, which makes it easier for remote attackers or malware to cause a denial of service (disk consumption) or exploit other vulnerabilities via a URL that references an executable file, possibly related to the "ask where to save each file before downloading" setting.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6996 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome BETA version 0.2.149.27 that fundamentally undermines user protection mechanisms during file download operations. This issue stems from the browser's failure to implement proper user consent protocols when handling executable files, creating a dangerous precedent where automated downloads can occur without explicit user acknowledgment. The flaw directly impacts the browser's security model by bypassing the intended "ask where to save each file before downloading" configuration setting that users expect to govern their download behavior. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper handling of sensitive information, and specifically relates to CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive data through improper file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of user interface security and browser architecture, where the absence of user prompts creates an exploitable gap in the security chain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when Chrome encounters a URL that references an executable file type. Rather than presenting the user with a confirmation dialog or saving location selection interface, the browser automatically initiates the download process in the background. This automated behavior can be particularly dangerous when combined with malicious web content or compromised websites that serve executable files designed to consume system resources or exploit other vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially removes the user's ability to make informed decisions about file downloads, particularly those that could pose risks to system integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting URLs that automatically download malicious executables, potentially leading to resource exhaustion attacks that consume disk space and system resources, thereby creating denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple automation, as it enables attackers to bypass fundamental security controls that should prevent automatic execution of potentially harmful files.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6996 is significant and multifaceted, creating both immediate and long-term security risks for users operating the affected Chrome BETA version. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a vector for automated exploitation that requires minimal user interaction to achieve malicious objectives. The risk of disk consumption denial of service attacks increases substantially, as attackers can flood system storage with executable files that automatically download and execute without user awareness. Additionally, the vulnerability creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks where malicious executables can be silently installed and executed on the target system. The flaw particularly affects users who rely on Chrome's download management features as their primary defense mechanism against unwanted or potentially harmful file downloads. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1195.001 (Supply Chain Compromise) and T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as it enables automated execution of malicious payloads. The vulnerability also intersects with T1485 (Data Destruction) and T1070.004 (File Deletion) through the potential for automatic file overwriting or deletion operations that could occur during the download process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate user-level actions and broader architectural improvements to prevent exploitation. Users should immediately disable automatic executable file downloads and manually configure download settings to require explicit user confirmation for all file types, particularly those with executable extensions. Browser administrators should implement network-level controls to block or monitor executable file downloads from untrusted sources, while also ensuring that automatic download features are properly configured to require user consent. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of user interface security controls and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration flaws can create substantial security risks. Organizations should consider implementing additional layers of protection such as application whitelisting, network-based file filtering, and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also ensure that browser update mechanisms are properly configured to maintain the latest security patches, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent Chrome releases. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining robust user education programs regarding download security and the importance of understanding how browser configuration settings directly impact overall system security posture.