CVE-2016-1693 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
browser/safe_browsing/srt_field_trial_win.cc in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.63 does not use the HTTPS service on dl.google.com to obtain the Software Removal Tool, which allows remote attackers to spoof the chrome_cleanup_tool.exe (aka CCT) file via a man-in-the-middle attack on an HTTP session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1693 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's implementation of the Software Removal Tool (SRT) functionality on Windows platforms. This issue stems from the browser's failure to enforce secure HTTPS connections when downloading the chrome_cleanup_tool.exe file from dl.google.com, instead falling back to insecure HTTP connections that are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. The flaw specifically resides in the browser/safe_browsing/srt_field_trial_win.cc component, which governs how Chrome handles the software removal tool functionality during the cleanup process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in secure communication protocols where the browser's safe browsing mechanism does not properly enforce transport layer security for critical downloads. When Chrome attempts to obtain the Software Removal Tool, it defaults to HTTP connections rather than leveraging the established HTTPS service available on dl.google.com. This design decision creates an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit by intercepting network traffic and replacing the legitimate chrome_cleanup_tool.exe file with a malicious variant. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a classic case of insecure communication that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to perform malicious code execution through the chrome_cleanup_tool.exe file. This particular executable is designed to run with elevated privileges during the cleanup process, making it a prime target for exploitation. The man-in-the-middle attack scenario allows threat actors to deliver malicious payloads that can execute with the same privileges as the legitimate cleanup tool, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or further attack vector establishment. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) domains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the Chrome browser's safe browsing functionality. Organizations should ensure that all downloads from Google's infrastructure utilize HTTPS connections exclusively, with no fallback to HTTP mechanisms. The fix implemented in Chrome version 51.0.2704.63 addresses this by enforcing HTTPS connections for the Software Removal Tool download process, thereby eliminating the man-in-the-middle attack vector. Security practitioners should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. This remediation approach aligns with CWE-319 (CWE-319: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) and demonstrates proper adherence to secure coding practices that prevent insecure communication channels from being exposed to potential attackers.