CVE-2009-2352 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome 1.0.154.48 and earlier does not block javascript: URIs in Refresh headers in HTTP responses, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via vectors related to (1) injecting a Refresh header or (2) specifying the content of a Refresh header, a related issue to CVE-2009-1312. NOTE: it was later reported that 2.0.172.28, 2.0.172.37, and 3.0.193.2 Beta are also affected.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2352 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in Google Chrome versions up to 1.0.154.48 and subsequently confirmed affecting versions 2.0.172.28, 2.0.172.37, and 3.0.193.2 Beta. This flaw stems from Chrome's insufficient handling of javascript: URIs within HTTP Refresh headers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code in the context of a user's browsing session. The vulnerability operates through HTTP response headers that instruct browsers to automatically redirect to a specified URL after a given time interval, but Chrome's failure to properly sanitize javascript: URIs within these headers creates an exploitable condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the HTTP Refresh header mechanism which is commonly used for automatic redirection in web applications. When a web server sends a Refresh header containing a javascript: URI, Chrome's parser fails to recognize this as a potentially dangerous construct that should be blocked or sanitized. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code directly into the Refresh header, which executes when the browser processes the header and attempts the automatic redirection. The vulnerability manifests in two primary attack vectors: direct injection of malicious Refresh headers by attackers who control web server responses, and manipulation of content within Refresh headers through various injection techniques that bypass normal input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS exploitation to encompass a wide range of potential attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and malicious payload delivery. Attackers can leverage this weakness to redirect users to phishing pages, inject malicious scripts that steal cookies or session tokens, or even deliver malware through compromised web applications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 as it represents a failure to sanitize output before rendering, and its exploitation patterns correspond to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The affected versions span multiple Chrome releases, indicating a persistent flaw in the browser's header processing logic that required multiple patches to address properly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve both immediate browser updates and server-side defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome versions that have addressed this vulnerability, with the earliest fixed versions being 3.0.193.3 and later. Server administrators should implement proper input validation and header sanitization to prevent injection of javascript: URIs in Refresh headers, while also monitoring for unusual header values that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network security controls should include deep packet inspection to detect and block suspicious Refresh header content, particularly those containing javascript: protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in HTTP headers and highlights how seemingly benign features like automatic redirection can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malicious input. This case study serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing of web browser implementations and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to protect against known vulnerabilities.