CVE-2012-4905 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Google Chrome before 18.0.1025308 on Android allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an extra in an Intent object, aka "Universal XSS (UXSS)."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4905 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 18.0.1025308 on Android platforms. This vulnerability specifically exploits the way Chrome handles Intent objects within its mobile browser implementation, creating a unique attack vector that bypasses traditional security mechanisms. The flaw is categorized under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting vulnerability, but its implementation in the Android context creates a more severe impact due to the nature of mobile application integration and the trust model inherent in Android's intent system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Intent objects that are part of Android's inter-application communication framework. When Chrome processes these Intent objects, it fails to properly sanitize the extra data contained within them, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. This Universal XSS (UXSS) attack leverages the Android Intent mechanism to deliver payloads directly to the browser context, bypassing standard security boundaries that typically protect against such attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android version of Chrome, making it distinct from typical web-based XSS flaws that occur within traditional browser contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond conventional XSS attacks, as it enables remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the Chrome browser on Android devices. This creates a significant risk for users who may encounter malicious Intent objects through various attack vectors including compromised websites, malicious applications, or phishing campaigns. The attack can potentially lead to session hijacking, data theft, credential harvesting, and other malicious activities that compromise user privacy and security. The vulnerability's classification as Universal XSS means that it affects all web content loaded in the browser, making it particularly dangerous for users who browse the web regularly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4905 primarily involve immediate patching of Chrome browser versions to 18.0.1025308 or later, which implements proper sanitization of Intent object extras. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious Intent object patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their mobile browsers updated. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for scripting and T1566 for spearphishing, as attackers can leverage these methods to deliver malicious Intent objects. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious Intent object handling and implement proper input validation controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications that utilize Android's intent system.