CVE-2013-2866 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The Flash plug-in in Google Chrome before 27.0.1453.116, as used on Google Chrome OS before 27.0.1453.116 and separately, does not properly determine whether a user wishes to permit camera or microphone access by a Flash application, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from a machine s physical environment via a clickjacking attack, as demonstrated by an attack using a crafted Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) opacity property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2866 represents a critical security flaw in the Flash plugin implementation within Google Chrome browsers and Chrome OS environments. This issue stems from inadequate user consent mechanisms when Flash applications attempt to access hardware resources such as cameras and microphones. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Chrome prior to 27.0.1453.116 and Chrome OS prior to the same version, creating a window of exposure for malicious actors to exploit user trust and system access privileges. The flaw manifests when the browser fails to properly validate user intent before granting hardware access permissions, effectively bypassing the standard security prompts that should require explicit user confirmation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on sophisticated clickjacking techniques combined with CSS manipulation to deceive users into unwittingly granting access to sensitive hardware components. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that utilize CSS opacity properties to overlay invisible or nearly invisible Flash content on top of legitimate user interface elements. When users interact with what they believe to be normal web content, they may inadvertently click on hidden Flash elements that trigger camera or microphone access requests. This creates a deceptive environment where users are unaware that their hardware is being accessed, as the permission prompts may appear to be part of the legitimate website interface rather than security warnings from the browser itself. The vulnerability falls under CWE-602, which specifically addresses client-side input validation issues where the application fails to properly validate user input or consent mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it exploits the trust users place in web interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2866 extends beyond simple privacy violations to encompass potential data exfiltration and surveillance capabilities for threat actors. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can gain unauthorized access to camera feeds and microphone recordings without users being aware of the intrusion. This creates significant risks for personal privacy and corporate security, as sensitive conversations, visual environments, and potentially confidential information could be captured without user knowledge. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where employees may unknowingly grant access to sensitive office or home environments through seemingly legitimate web browsing activities. The attack vector demonstrates sophisticated understanding of browser security models and user interaction patterns, making it particularly effective in real-world scenarios where users may not recognize the deceptive nature of the clickjacking technique.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Chrome browser versions and Chrome OS installations to ensure proper user consent mechanisms are restored. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that restrict Flash plugin usage where possible, as Flash has historically been a vector for numerous security vulnerabilities. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious Flash plugin behavior and user access patterns that might indicate unauthorized hardware access. The remediation process involves updating to Chrome version 27.0.1453.116 or later, which includes proper validation of user consent for hardware access permissions and improved clickjacking protection mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct user awareness training to help identify potential clickjacking attempts and educate users about the importance of carefully reviewing browser permission prompts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through user interaction, specifically targeting the T1056.001 technique related to input injection and T1074.001 for data staging through web applications, making it a significant concern for both endpoint security and network security monitoring teams.