CVE-2015-1226 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The DebuggerFunction::InitAgentHost function in browser/extensions/api/debugger/debugger_api.cc in Google Chrome before 41.0.2272.76 does not properly restrict what URLs are available as debugger targets, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1226 resides within the Chrome browser's debugger extension API implementation, specifically in the DebuggerFunction::InitAgentHost function located in browser/extensions/api/debugger/debugger_api.cc. This flaw represents a critical access control weakness that undermines the browser's security model for extension-based debugging capabilities. The vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 41.0.2272.76, making it a significant concern for users running outdated browser versions. The issue stems from improper URL validation mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict which web resources can serve as debugger targets, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the debugging interface.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper input validation and access restriction enforcement within the debugger API's initialization process. When a malicious extension attempts to establish a debugging connection, the InitAgentHost function fails to properly verify the target URL's accessibility or legitimacy. This oversight allows remote attackers to craft specially designed extension payloads that can enumerate and connect to debugger targets that should otherwise be restricted. The vulnerability essentially enables an attacker to bypass the intended security boundaries that normally prevent debugging access to arbitrary web resources, potentially exposing sensitive debugging information and execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with a means to perform unauthorized debugging operations against web applications and resources. An attacker could leverage this weakness to gain insights into web application behavior, potentially discovering sensitive information about application architecture, data flow, and execution patterns. The ability to bypass access restrictions through a crafted extension means that even legitimate debugging interfaces could be exploited to access resources that should remain protected. This capability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that rely on understanding application internals.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. The flaw represents a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to debugging capabilities that should be restricted to legitimate debugging scenarios. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities in browser extension APIs can be particularly dangerous because they often operate with elevated privileges and can access sensitive browser functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement in browser security models, particularly within extension frameworks where multiple security boundaries intersect.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1226 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 41.0.2272.76 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Users should also exercise extreme caution when installing browser extensions, particularly those with debugging or inspection capabilities, as the vulnerability can be exploited through malicious extensions. Organizations should implement extension whitelisting policies and regularly audit installed browser extensions to ensure no malicious or untrusted debugging extensions are present. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual debugging activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, browser security configurations should be hardened to limit extension capabilities and restrict access to debugging interfaces, particularly in enterprise environments where security controls are paramount.