CVE-2014-9646 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the GoogleChromeDistribution::DoPostUninstallOperations function in installer/util/google_chrome_distribution.cc in the uninstall-survey feature in Google Chrome before 40.0.2214.91 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse program in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory, as demonstrated by program.exe, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1205.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9646 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness within Google Chrome's uninstallation process that enables local privilege escalation attacks. This flaw exists in the GoogleChromeDistribution::DoPostUninstallOperations function located in installer/util/google_chrome_distribution.cc, specifically affecting Chrome versions prior to 40.0.2214.91. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of system paths during uninstallation operations, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can place Trojan horse programs in strategic locations to execute with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the Windows operating system's search path behavior when executing programs without quoted paths. When Chrome's uninstaller processes the DoPostUninstallOperations function, it fails to properly quote path references that include spaces or special characters, allowing the system to search through multiple directories in sequence. The vulnerability specifically targets the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory where attackers can place a malicious program named program.exe that will be executed with the privileges of the uninstaller process. This creates a privilege escalation vector because uninstall operations typically run with elevated permissions, making the attack particularly dangerous for local users who can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with system-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a persistent attack surface that can be exploited repeatedly during system maintenance operations. Attackers can place malicious executables in the %SYSTEMDRIVE% directory and wait for the Chrome uninstallation process to trigger, which could occur during system updates, user uninstallation attempts, or automated maintenance routines. This vulnerability demonstrates the broader principle of path traversal and search path exploitation that is classified under CWE-428, which addresses the execution of unquoted search paths. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" sub-technique where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access.
Security researchers have documented this vulnerability as distinct from CVE-2015-1205, indicating that while both may involve uninstallation processes, they represent separate attack surfaces with different exploitation mechanisms. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple system states makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Chrome installations are common and system administrators may not be aware of the potential for privilege escalation during uninstallation operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, as the attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by local users without requiring network access or specialized tools. The remediation involves updating Chrome installations to version 40.0.2214.91 or later, which properly handles path quoting during uninstallation operations, thereby eliminating the exploitable search path conditions that enabled the privilege escalation attack.