CVE-2012-4909 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 18.0.1025308 on Android allows remote attackers to obtain cookie information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4909 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 18.0.1025308 on Android platforms. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of crafted applications that can manipulate the browser's cookie storage mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive cookie information without requiring local system access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently access web applications containing session tokens and authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific flaw in Chrome's Android implementation where the browser fails to properly sanitize application data when processing web requests. Attackers can craft malicious applications or web pages that exploit the browser's cookie management system, allowing them to intercept and retrieve cookie data that should remain protected. This occurs through manipulation of the application's interaction with the browser's internal cookie storage, bypassing normal security boundaries that should separate different application contexts and user sessions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as a weakness involving improper input validation, specifically in how the browser handles application-level data that influences cookie handling behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4909 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as cookie data often contains session tokens, authentication credentials, and other sensitive information that can be leveraged for further attacks. Mobile users are particularly vulnerable since Chrome on Android typically maintains persistent sessions with various web services, making the extracted cookie information valuable for session hijacking and unauthorized access to user accounts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on use of web shell and credential access through browser-based attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target users without requiring physical access to devices or complex local exploitation techniques, making it a significant threat in mobile environments where users may browse untrusted websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome to version 18.0.1025308 or later, which includes proper input validation and enhanced cookie handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic updates and monitor for vulnerable browser versions. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious application data patterns. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browsers updated. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-20 weakness by implementing proper input sanitization and ensuring that application data cannot manipulate browser cookie storage in unintended ways. Security teams should also monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing cookie security headers such as HttpOnly and Secure flags to reduce the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.