CVE-2014-3159 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The WebContentsDelegateAndroid::OpenURLFromTab function in components/web_contents_delegate_android/web_contents_delegate_android.cc in Google Chrome before 36.0.1985.122 on Android does not properly restrict URL loading, which allows remote attackers to spoof the URL in the Omnibox via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3159 resides within the WebContentsDelegateAndroid component of Google Chrome version 36.0.1985.122 and earlier on Android platforms. This flaw specifically affects the OpenURLFromTab function located in components/web_contents_delegate_android/web_contents_delegate_android.cc, representing a critical security oversight that undermines the browser's URL handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of URL loading operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the browser's address bar display.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors that enable URL spoofing within the Omnibox interface. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the browser's trust model, where users may be deceived into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when actually navigating to malicious alternatives. The flaw essentially bypasses Chrome's normal URL validation procedures, permitting arbitrary URL loading that can masquerade as trusted domains or present misleading information to users.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability directly compromises user trust and security awareness within the Chrome browser environment. Users interacting with compromised web content may be misled by spoofed URLs that appear authentic within the browser's address bar, creating potential phishing opportunities and social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to credential theft, malware distribution, or other malicious activities that rely on user deception through URL manipulation. This represents a significant threat to user security since the Omnibox is a primary interface element where users verify website authenticity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 and CWE-79 vulnerabilities, specifically addressing URL redirection issues and cross-site scripting concerns. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer protocol execution and T1566 for phishing attacks through social engineering. The attack surface extends beyond simple URL manipulation to include potential privilege escalation and persistent threat vectors that could be leveraged by sophisticated adversaries.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment to Chrome versions 36.0.1985.122 and later, which include proper URL loading restrictions and enhanced validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional browser hardening measures including content security policy enforcement, strict URL validation, and user education regarding URL verification practices. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous URL loading patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of browser components and third-party integrations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader Chrome ecosystem.