CVE-2013-6626 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The WebContentsImpl::AttachInterstitialPage function in content/browser/web_contents/web_contents_impl.cc in Google Chrome before 31.0.1650.48 does not cancel JavaScript dialogs upon generating an interstitial warning, which allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6626 resides within the WebContentsImpl::AttachInterstitialPage function in Google Chrome's content browser module, specifically in the web_contents_impl.cc file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects Chrome versions prior to 31.0.1650.48, creating a dangerous condition where JavaScript dialogs remain active during interstitial warning generation. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user interface elements during security warning transitions, allowing malicious actors to exploit the timing gap between dialog display and interstitial page rendering.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when Chrome generates interstitial warnings such as phishing or security alerts. During this process, the function fails to properly cancel existing JavaScript dialogs that may be active on the page, particularly those related to user interactions like confirmations, prompts, or alerts. This creates a window where attackers can manipulate the browser's interface to display misleading information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-691 as an Insufficient Control Flow Management, specifically involving improper handling of dialog cancellation during security state transitions. The flaw enables a form of user interface deception where the browser's address bar can be spoofed, making it appear as though the user is visiting a legitimate site when they are actually on a malicious page.
Operationally, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to conduct sophisticated phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns by exploiting the browser's dialog management system. Attackers can craft malicious websites that display JavaScript dialogs while simultaneously triggering interstitial warnings, creating confusion for users who may not notice that their browser address bar has been manipulated. The attack vector specifically targets the user's trust in the browser's security warnings and address bar display, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model by undermining user confidence in security indicators and can be exploited in conjunction with other techniques to create more sophisticated attacks.
The security implications extend beyond simple address bar spoofing, as this vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to create more complex exploitation scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability enables malicious code execution through browser-based attacks, while T1566 represents the initial compromise through phishing or social engineering. Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to Chrome version 31.0.1650.48 or later, which properly implements dialog cancellation during interstitial page generation. Additionally, browser security administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious dialog behavior and address bar manipulations, while security teams should ensure that all web applications and content management systems are regularly updated to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.