CVE-2014-9648 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
components/navigation_interception/intercept_navigation_resource_throttle.cc in Google Chrome before 40.0.2214.91 on Android does not properly restrict use of intent: URLs to open an application after navigation to a web site, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (loss of browser access to that site) via crafted JavaScript code, as demonstrated by pandora.com and the Pandora application, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1205.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9648 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome's Android implementation that undermines the browser's navigation interception mechanisms. This issue specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 40.0.2214.91 and involves a critical oversight in how the browser handles intent: URLs during web navigation processes. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of intent:// URI schemes that are designed to facilitate deep linking between web content and native Android applications. When a user navigates to a malicious website, the vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the navigation interception system to launch unintended applications through crafted JavaScript code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the intercept_navigation_resource_throttle.cc component, which is responsible for managing navigation interception behavior in Chrome's Android version. This component fails to properly enforce restrictions on intent: URLs, creating an avenue for malicious code execution that bypasses normal security boundaries between web content and native application interfaces. The flaw operates by leveraging JavaScript to construct intent:// URLs that, when processed through the navigation interception system, trigger the automatic launching of Android applications without proper user consent or security verification. This creates a scenario where a remote attacker can manipulate the browser's navigation flow to initiate unauthorized application launches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it fundamentally compromises user security and browser integrity. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to cause the loss of browser access to specific websites by forcing the system to launch competing applications through intent:// schemes. This creates a persistent disruption where users cannot properly access certain web services, with the demonstration case showing successful exploitation against pandora.com and the Pandora application. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear pathway for attackers to leverage web-based code execution to manipulate the Android application layer, effectively creating a bridge between web content and native application execution that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves the use of crafted JavaScript code that constructs intent:// URLs with malicious parameters designed to trigger specific Android application launches. This technique exploits the trust relationship between web browsers and the Android operating system's intent handling mechanisms, where the browser's navigation interception system fails to properly validate or restrict the execution of these intent schemes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the intersection of web and native application security boundaries, allowing attackers to potentially escalate privileges or create persistent access points through application launching mechanisms that are normally restricted to legitimate use cases.
Security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and demonstrate characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. The flaw represents a critical failure in Chrome's security model for handling cross-platform navigation events, where the browser's intent handling system lacks proper sanitization and validation of URI schemes. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict boundaries between web content execution contexts and native application interfaces, particularly in mobile environments where such integration is common but requires robust security controls. The remediation approach focuses on strengthening the validation logic in the navigation interception component to properly restrict intent:// URL processing and prevent unauthorized application launching during web navigation events.
This vulnerability underscores the broader challenges in mobile browser security where web content must interact with native application ecosystems while maintaining proper security boundaries. The issue demonstrates how seemingly simple navigation interception mechanisms can become attack vectors when proper input validation and security restrictions are not implemented. The exploitation scenario shows that attackers can leverage JavaScript execution capabilities to manipulate the Android intent system, creating a persistent threat that affects user experience and browser functionality. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue reflects the core impact of preventing legitimate web browsing access, while its underlying technical flaw represents a failure in the browser's security architecture to properly validate navigation interception behavior.