CVE-2012-4908 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 18.0.1025308 on Android allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and obtain access to local files via vectors involving a symlink.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4908 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 18.0.1025308 on Android platforms that fundamentally undermines the browser's core security model. This issue specifically targets the Same Origin Policy implementation, which serves as the primary barrier preventing web applications from accessing resources from different origins without proper authorization. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of symbolic links within the browser's file system access mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent fundamental web security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted symlink attacks that manipulate the browser's interpretation of file paths and access controls. When Chrome processes web content on Android devices, it fails to properly validate symbolic link references, allowing attackers to create malicious scenarios where legitimate web content can access local files that should normally be restricted. This flaw specifically affects the browser's handling of file system operations within its sandboxed environment, where symbolic links are not adequately sanitized or resolved according to security best practices. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the Android platform's file system structure and Chrome's integration with the operating system's security model.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file access operations that could expose sensitive user data, including personal documents, application data, and potentially system-level information. The attack vector involves constructing malicious web pages that leverage the symlink handling flaw to traverse file system boundaries and access files that should remain isolated from web content. This capability significantly increases the potential for data exfiltration, privacy violations, and further exploitation within the compromised Android device. Security researchers have classified this issue as particularly dangerous because it operates at the intersection of web browsing and local file system access, creating a unique attack surface that traditional web security measures cannot adequately defend against.
The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks that leverage the compromised browser to gain deeper system access. Attackers can combine this flaw with other exploitation techniques to create comprehensive attack chains that may ultimately result in full device compromise. The vulnerability's presence in widely used software like Chrome on Android platforms means that a large number of users could be affected simultaneously, making it a high-priority target for threat actors seeking to maximize their attack surface. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly when evaluating mobile security controls and web browsing practices on Android devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4908 primarily involve immediate software updates to Chrome versions that address the symbolic link handling issues and implement proper validation of file system operations. Users should ensure their Chrome browsers are updated to version 18.0.1025308 or later, which includes patches that correct the Same Origin Policy bypass mechanism. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional network-level controls and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also review their mobile device management policies to ensure proper patch management and security monitoring for Android-based browsing environments.