CVE-2012-4906 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 18.0.1025308 on Android does not properly restrict access to file: URLs, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by obtaining credential data, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-4903.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4906 represents a critical access control flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 18.0.1025308 on Android platforms. This issue stems from insufficient restrictions on file: URL access within the browser's security model, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to extract sensitive information from the device. The vulnerability specifically affects the Android implementation of Chrome, which operates under different security constraints compared to desktop versions due to the mobile environment's unique architecture and permission model. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors that bypass normal security boundaries, potentially enabling unauthorized data access that could compromise user credentials and other sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in Chrome's handling of file: URLs within its rendering engine and security sandbox. File: URLs are typically restricted to prevent arbitrary file access and cross-site scripting attacks, but in this case, the restriction mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize access requests. This failure creates a potential attack surface where malicious web content can manipulate the browser's file access controls to retrieve data from the local filesystem. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as demonstrated by its ability to obtain credential data, suggesting that attackers could potentially access stored authentication tokens, passwords, or other sensitive user information. The flaw operates at the intersection of web browser security and mobile operating system permissions, where Chrome's security model does not adequately enforce the necessary boundaries between web content and local system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4906 is significant within mobile security contexts, particularly given the Android platform's ecosystem of applications and user data. Mobile browsers serve as gateways to numerous applications and services that store sensitive data locally, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to personal information stored on the device. Attackers could leverage this flaw through malicious websites or phishing campaigns that specifically target Chrome on Android devices, potentially affecting a large user base given Chrome's widespread adoption on mobile platforms. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2012-4903, while different in nature, suggests a broader pattern of security weaknesses in Chrome's handling of sensitive data access controls across the Android platform. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through browser-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4906 primarily involve immediate software updates to the affected Chrome versions, ensuring that users upgrade to Chrome 18.0.1025308 or later where the access control restrictions have been properly implemented. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic updates for browser applications and regularly audit their mobile security posture. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains and monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browser software updated. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on mobile environments where such vulnerabilities can have more severe consequences due to the limited security controls available on mobile platforms. The fix for this vulnerability required modifications to Chrome's security sandbox implementation and file access control mechanisms, ensuring that file: URL requests are properly validated against the browser's security policies and the underlying Android operating system's permission model.