CVE-2012-4904 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-application scripting vulnerability in Google Chrome before 18.0.1025308 on Android allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by "Universal XSS (UXSS)" attacks against the current tab.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4904 represents a critical cross-application scripting flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 18.0.1025308 on Android platforms. This vulnerability specifically enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of the current browser tab, effectively undermining the fundamental security boundaries that separate different applications and web content. The flaw manifests as a universal cross-site scripting vulnerability that can bypass traditional security mechanisms designed to isolate web applications from each other. The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can manipulate the browser's current tab, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, session hijacking, or complete compromise of user sessions. This issue is particularly concerning in mobile environments where users may be more susceptible to targeted attacks due to the increased reliance on web-based applications and services. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with insufficient input validation and output encoding in web browsers. The attack vector leverages unspecified mechanisms within Chrome's rendering engine that fail to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied content before executing it within the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables sophisticated attack scenarios that can compromise user privacy and data integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform session hijacking by injecting scripts that steal cookies or authentication tokens, effectively allowing unauthorized access to user accounts across various web services. The universal nature of the vulnerability means that malicious scripts can target any application or service running within the same browser tab, making it particularly dangerous for users who maintain multiple active sessions or access sensitive information. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and application isolation that modern browsers are designed to enforce, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and access resources that should normally be protected. The vulnerability's presence in Android versions of Chrome particularly amplifies the risk, as mobile users often engage in more sensitive activities such as banking transactions, accessing personal information, or using applications that require high levels of security. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through various delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, compromised ads, or phishing campaigns that trick users into visiting malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4904 require immediate system updates to the patched version of Chrome 18.0.1025308 or later, as this represents the official fix provided by Google to address the underlying security flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management systems can help enforce security policies. Browser security enhancements should include regular monitoring for new vulnerabilities and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browser software updated. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers script-based execution through web browsers, and represents a critical weakness in the browser's security model that requires immediate remediation to prevent successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that may exist in similar browser components or web applications. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining robust security practices and the need for continuous monitoring of browser security updates to protect against emerging threats in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.