CVE-2013-0840 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 24.0.1312.56 does not validate URLs during the opening of new windows, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0840 resides within Google Chrome versions prior to 24.0.1312.56, specifically targeting the browser's URL validation mechanisms during new window operations. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that undermines the browser's fundamental security model and could potentially enable attackers to exploit the application through remote code execution or information disclosure. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome fails to properly validate URLs that are being opened in new windows, creating an attack surface that adversaries can leverage to execute malicious payloads or gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within Chrome's window management subsystem. When users navigate to web pages or interact with malicious content that triggers new window creation, the browser's URL sanitization process becomes compromised. This allows attackers to craft specially crafted URLs that bypass normal validation checks, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or the redirection of users to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as it exploits browser-based scripting environments. The lack of proper URL validation during window operations creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the browser's behavior and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0840 extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the browser's trusted execution environment. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform cross-site scripting attacks, inject malicious JavaScript code, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The remote attack vectors associated with this vulnerability mean that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links, without requiring any additional user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through email attachments, web browsing, or compromised websites. The unspecified impact mentioned in the original description suggests that the vulnerability could potentially lead to complete system compromise, as attackers may be able to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0840 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and enhanced security configurations. Organizations should prioritize updating all Chrome installations to version 24.0.1312.56 or later, as this represents the official patch that resolves the URL validation flaw. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, content filtering solutions, and browser security extensions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing strict browser security policies that restrict window creation and navigation behaviors, particularly in enterprise environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation flaws can create significant security risks. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and ensure comprehensive protection against evolving attack vectors. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious URL patterns and anomalous window creation behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts.