CVE-2013-6166 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 29 sends HTTP Cookie headers without first validating that they have the required character-set restrictions, which allows remote attackers to conduct the equivalent of a persistent Logout CSRF attack via a crafted parameter that forces a web application to set a malformed cookie within an HTTP response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6166 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 29.0.1547.0 where the browser fails to properly validate character-set restrictions in HTTP Cookie headers before transmitting them to web servers. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the browser's handling of cookie data and manipulate session management mechanisms within web applications.
The technical flaw stems from Chrome's inadequate validation process for cookie data during HTTP response processing. When a web server sends a response containing cookie headers with non-compliant character sets, the browser accepts and forwards these cookies without proper sanitization. This behavior violates fundamental security principles for cookie handling and creates opportunities for attackers to inject malformed cookie values that can be interpreted by web applications in unintended ways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to execute persistent logout CSRF attacks effectively. By crafting malicious HTTP parameters that force web applications to set malformed cookies, attackers can manipulate session state and potentially maintain unauthorized access to user accounts. This vulnerability essentially allows for session hijacking and authentication bypass scenarios that can persist across multiple user interactions with the affected web application.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and specifically relates to improper handling of HTTP cookies in the context of session management. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1531 for "Account Access Removal" and T1071.005 for "Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols" where attackers manipulate HTTP responses to compromise user sessions.
The security implications extend beyond simple session manipulation as this flaw can be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack scenarios. Web applications that rely on proper cookie validation for security controls become vulnerable to manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, modify user permissions, or execute unauthorized actions within the targeted applications.
Organizations should prioritize updating affected Chrome installations to version 29.0.1547.0 or later where proper cookie validation has been implemented. Additionally, web application developers should implement robust cookie validation mechanisms on their servers to detect and reject malformed cookie data, even when browsers fail to validate such data properly. Network security controls should monitor for suspicious cookie patterns and malformed HTTP responses that may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.