CVE-2016-5155 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux does not properly validate access to the initial document, which allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
This vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to specific patch releases on multiple operating systems, representing a critical security flaw in the browser's address bar validation mechanism. The issue stems from improper validation of access to the initial document within Chrome's rendering engine, creating a condition where malicious actors can manipulate the browser's display of the current URL. This flaw specifically impacts Windows and macOS users running Chrome versions before 53.0.2785.89, while Linux users are affected by versions before 53.0.2785.92, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of the vulnerability. The technical implementation involves the browser's failure to correctly verify document access permissions during navigation operations, allowing attackers to present misleading address bar information to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception, creating a significant risk for phishing attacks and user deception campaigns. Attackers can exploit this weakness to craft malicious websites that display false URLs in the address bar, making it appear as though users are visiting legitimate domains when they are actually interacting with malicious content. This spoofing capability directly undermines user trust in the browser's security indicators and can be leveraged to harvest sensitive information through social engineering attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which addresses URL redirection and forward slash issues, and represents a specific instance of insecure input handling where the browser fails to properly validate document access contexts. From an attacker perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically focusing on the manipulation of user interfaces to deceive victims.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires a sophisticated understanding of Chrome's internal document handling mechanisms and browser security models, as attackers must craft web content that can manipulate the initial document validation process. Users are particularly vulnerable when navigating to untrusted websites, as the browser's address bar spoofing capability can make malicious sites appear legitimate. The remediation approach focuses on updating Chrome to the patched versions that properly validate document access controls and implement stricter validation of initial document contexts. Security organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched Chrome versions across affected systems, as the vulnerability's exploitation can lead to significant data breaches and credential theft. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper access control validation that prevents unauthorized modification of the document context during navigation operations, thereby restoring the browser's ability to accurately display the current URL to users.