CVE-2012-2848 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The drag-and-drop implementation in Google Chrome before 21.0.1180.57 on Mac OS X and Linux, and before 21.0.1180.60 on Windows and Chrome Frame, allows user-assisted remote attackers to bypass intended file access restrictions via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-2848 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome's implementation of drag-and-drop functionality across multiple operating systems. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 21.0.1180.57 on macOS and Linux platforms, and before 21.0.1180.60 on Windows systems and Chrome Frame extensions. The flaw specifically targets the browser's file access controls during drag-and-drop operations, creating a potential bypass mechanism that could allow malicious actors to circumvent intended security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of file paths and access permissions during drag-and-drop interactions within the browser environment. When users interact with web content through drag-and-drop mechanisms, Chrome's security model should enforce strict boundaries to prevent unauthorized file system access. However, the flaw allows attackers to craft malicious websites that can manipulate these interactions to access files that should otherwise be restricted. This occurs through the manipulation of file path resolution and permission checking during the drag-and-drop process, effectively creating a sandbox escape vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access violations and represents a serious threat to user data integrity and system security. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to access sensitive documents, system files, or other restricted resources that users expect to remain protected from web-based access. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must interact with the malicious website, typically through clicking or dragging elements, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the threat level given the widespread use of web browsers and the potential for social engineering attacks. The vulnerability essentially undermines Chrome's security model for file operations and could enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration or system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and CWE-255, which addresses "Credentials Management Errors," as it involves unauthorized access to file system resources. The attack pattern follows the techniques described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal, as attackers could use this vulnerability to gain access to system resources that could then be used for further exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory Chrome updates to versions 21.0.1180.57 or later, along with user education about the risks of interacting with untrusted websites. Network administrators should consider implementing web content filtering and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in browser security models, particularly for features that interact with the underlying operating system file system.