CVE-2009-2068 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome detects http content in https web pages only when the top-level frame uses https, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary web script, in an https site s context, by modifying an http page to include an https iframe that references a script file on an http site, related to "HTTP-Intended-but-HTTPS-Loadable (HPIHSL) pages."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2068 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's handling of mixed content detection mechanisms. This issue specifically affects how the browser processes HTTP content within HTTPS contexts, creating a significant attack vector for man-in-the-middle adversaries. The vulnerability stems from Chrome's inconsistent approach to detecting insecure content, where the browser only identifies HTTP resources as problematic when the top-level frame itself uses HTTPS. This selective detection creates a dangerous gap in security that malicious actors can exploit to inject arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of seemingly secure HTTPS sites.
The technical flaw manifests through what security researchers term "HTTP-Intended-but-HTTPS-Loadable (HPIHSL) pages" which represents a specific category of mixed content vulnerabilities. When an attacker modifies an HTTP page to include an HTTPS iframe that references a script file hosted on an HTTP site, the browser's security model fails to properly flag this as a threat. This occurs because Chrome's mixed content detection logic is not comprehensive enough to catch all instances where insecure HTTP resources are loaded within secure HTTPS contexts. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's inability to properly evaluate the security implications of nested frames and iframes that combine different security protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly enables sophisticated attack scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary web scripts within the security context of HTTPS sites, effectively bypassing the security mechanisms that users expect when browsing secure websites. This capability allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and other malicious activities that would normally be prevented by proper mixed content detection. The vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model that HTTPS is designed to provide, making users believe they are browsing secure sites while unknowingly executing malicious code from insecure sources.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution to encompass broader threats to user privacy and data integrity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-614, which addresses "Sensitive Cookie in HTTPS Session Without 'Secure' Attribute," and demonstrates similar patterns of protocol confusion in web security contexts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential access, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code within trusted contexts. The attack vector represents a sophisticated manipulation of browser security models that exploits the inherent complexity of modern web applications and their handling of mixed content scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both browser-level fixes and user awareness measures. Browser vendors must implement comprehensive mixed content detection that evaluates all resources regardless of their nesting level or frame structure. The fix should ensure that any HTTP resource loaded within an HTTPS context triggers appropriate security warnings or blocks execution entirely. Users should be educated about the importance of avoiding mixed content and the potential risks associated with browsing sites that display warnings about insecure resources. Additionally, web developers must implement proper security headers and ensure their sites do not inadvertently create conditions that could be exploited through this vulnerability. The fix should align with industry standards and best practices for secure web application development, emphasizing the importance of consistent security enforcement across all content types and loading contexts.