CVE-2015-1261 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
android/java/src/org/chromium/chrome/browser/WebsiteSettingsPopup.java in Google Chrome before 43.0.2357.65 on Android does not properly restrict use of a URL's fragment identifier during construction of a page-info popup, which allows remote attackers to spoof the URL bar or deliver misleading popup content via crafted text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1261 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome's Android implementation that undermines the browser's ability to accurately display website information. This issue specifically affects the WebsiteSettingsPopup.java component within the chromium chrome browser codebase, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate URL fragment identifiers during the construction of page information popups. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit the browser's trust in URL components, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate how website information appears to users.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of Uniform Resource Identifiers that contain fragment identifiers, which are typically used to reference specific sections within a document or page. In the context of web browsers, fragment identifiers are commonly represented by the hash symbol followed by a string of characters, such as in the URL https://example.com/page#section1. The vulnerability occurs because Chrome's Android version prior to 43.0.2357.65 fails to properly isolate or validate these fragment components when constructing the website information popup, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that can be displayed in the popup interface.
This security weakness creates a substantial operational impact by enabling sophisticated phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked, display misleading information in the browser's website settings popup, potentially deceiving users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content. The vulnerability specifically allows for URL bar spoofing, where the popup displays information that contradicts the actual URL being accessed, creating confusion and undermining user trust in the browser's security mechanisms. This type of attack can be particularly effective in mobile environments where users may have less sophisticated security awareness compared to desktop users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which addresses URL redirection and forwarding vulnerabilities, and falls under the broader category of user interface security issues that can be exploited to manipulate user perception. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of the T1566 technique for phishing, where attackers exploit the browser's interface to deceive users into providing sensitive information or performing unintended actions. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the browser's trust model, where the user interface component that should provide security assurance instead becomes a vector for deception.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Chrome version 43.0.2357.65 or later, where proper validation of URL fragment identifiers has been implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as network-based URL filtering, user education about recognizing phishing attempts, and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns. Browser vendors should ensure that all user interface components properly validate and sanitize input from URL components, particularly fragment identifiers, to prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict input validation in all browser components that interact with URL information and demonstrates how seemingly minor interface flaws can have significant security implications.