CVE-2013-0918 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 26.0.1410.43 does not prevent navigation to developer tools in response to a drag-and-drop operation, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0918 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 26.0.1410.43 that stems from inadequate restriction of developer tool access during drag-and-drop operations. This issue specifically exploits the browser's failure to properly validate navigation requests when developer tools are involved, creating an unexpected pathway for malicious actors to potentially access privileged browser functionality. The flaw resides in Chrome's implementation of its developer tools interface, which should normally remain restricted to authorized user interactions but can be inadvertently triggered through crafted web content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control and privilege escalation, as outlined in CWE-284, where the browser fails to properly enforce access restrictions for its internal developer tools. When a user performs a drag-and-drop operation on a malicious webpage, the browser's navigation handling logic does not adequately prevent the initiation of developer tools, which could expose sensitive browser internals or provide attackers with capabilities that should be restricted to legitimate development scenarios. This behavior creates a potential attack surface where remote adversaries can manipulate browser state through user-assisted means, bypassing normal security boundaries that typically protect developer tools from external web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable attackers to perform actions that would normally require direct user interaction with the browser's developer console. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that the flaw could allow for various malicious activities including but not limited to code injection, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation within the browser environment. Attackers could craft web pages that automatically trigger developer tools upon user interaction, potentially allowing them to access browser internals, manipulate page content, or execute unauthorized operations that should be restricted to legitimate development workflows.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting browser-based exploitation methods that leverage user interaction patterns. The vulnerability requires user-assisted execution, meaning that while attackers cannot directly exploit it without user interaction, they can craft convincing web content that tricks users into performing actions that trigger the malicious navigation sequence. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of social engineering-based attacks that exploit browser security boundaries rather than pure code execution flaws. The impact is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted browser environment, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security measures that normally protect against such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0918 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 26.0.1410.43 or later, where Google implemented proper restrictions on developer tool access during drag-and-drop operations. Organizations should also implement comprehensive browser security policies that include regular updates, user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites, and monitoring for suspicious browser behavior. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict access to potentially dangerous browser APIs and ensuring that user privileges are properly managed to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also consider deploying browser sandboxing solutions and monitoring for unusual navigation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in browser security models and demonstrates how seemingly minor interface flaws can create significant security risks when combined with user interaction patterns.