CVE-2011-2848 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 14.0.835.163 allows user-assisted remote attackers to spoof the URL bar via vectors related to the forward button.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2848 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 14.0.835.163 that enables malicious actors to deceive users through URL bar spoofing techniques. This issue specifically exploits the browser's handling of navigation history and forward button functionality, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the displayed URL to appear legitimate while actually directing users to malicious destinations. The vulnerability operates under the broader category of user interface deception attacks that target the trust users place in browser interface elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of navigation state management within Chrome's browser engine. When users navigate through web pages and subsequently use the forward button, the browser fails to properly validate or update the URL display in certain edge cases. This allows attackers to craft web pages that, when navigated to through specific sequences, cause the browser to display a misleading URL in the address bar while maintaining the actual navigation to a different malicious site. The flaw essentially creates a race condition or state management issue where the visual representation of the browser's current location becomes decoupled from the actual page being rendered.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables sophisticated phishing attacks where users might be tricked into believing they are visiting a legitimate website when they are actually interacting with malicious content. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must perform specific navigation actions such as clicking forward buttons or following certain navigation sequences, but once triggered, the deception becomes highly effective due to the trusted nature of the address bar. This attack vector directly impacts user trust in browser security mechanisms and can lead to credential theft, malware distribution, or other malicious activities that rely on users believing they are on legitimate websites.
The security implications extend beyond simple phishing scenarios as this vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in browser sandboxing and interface integrity validation. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the browser's user interface validation mechanisms, specifically related to improper handling of navigation states and visual feedback to users. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Defense Evasion' and 'Credential Access' domains, where attackers manipulate user interface elements to bypass security awareness and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations should implement immediate browser updates and user education programs to address this vulnerability, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in browser security assurances that can be exploited to undermine user trust and security practices.