CVE-2014-3172 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The Debugger extension API in browser/extensions/api/debugger/debugger_api.cc in Google Chrome before 37.0.2062.94 does not validate a tab's URL before an attach operation, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access limitations via an extension that uses a restricted URL, as demonstrated by a chrome:// URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-3172 represents a critical access control flaw within Google Chrome's Debugger extension API implementation. This issue exists in the browser's extension architecture where the debugger functionality fails to properly validate the target tab's URL before permitting an attach operation. The flaw specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 37.0.2062.94, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the extension API, allowing unauthorized access to restricted browsing contexts through improperly validated tab identifiers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the debugger_api.cc file where the attach operation does not perform adequate URL validation checks. When an extension attempts to attach to a debugging session, the system should verify that the target tab's URL conforms to expected access restrictions and security policies. However, the absence of proper validation allows attackers to manipulate the attach operation by specifying restricted URLs such as chrome:// URLs, which are typically protected from external extension access. This validation failure creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized debugging access to sensitive browser components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access bypass to encompass potential full system compromise through debugging session manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to internal browser processes, inspect sensitive data, and potentially execute arbitrary code within the browser's privileged context. The ability to attach to chrome:// URLs particularly dangerous because these protocols provide access to core browser functionality and internal components that should remain isolated from extension access. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance on browser internals, monitor user activities, and potentially extract sensitive information from protected browser contexts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in privilege management and access validation within browser extension APIs. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, where attackers can use browser debugging interfaces to execute code and maintain persistence within compromised systems. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation combined with inadequate privilege separation, allowing malicious extensions to circumvent intended security boundaries. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face significant risk of targeted attacks that could lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, and complete browser compromise.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 37.0.2062.94 or later, which includes the necessary validation fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement strict extension management policies that limit debugging capabilities and monitor extension behavior for suspicious activities. Browser security configurations should enforce stricter access controls for debugging APIs, and organizations should consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unusual debugging session initiation patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation in browser extension APIs and highlights the critical need for proper privilege separation between user-facing extensions and core browser components. Regular security audits of browser extension permissions and debugging capabilities should be conducted to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.