CVE-2017-15397 in Chrome OS
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in ChromeVox in Google Chrome OS prior to 62.0.3202.74 allowed a remote attacker in a privileged network position to observe or tamper with certain cleartext HTTP requests by leveraging that position.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15397 represents a significant security flaw in ChromeVox, Google's screen reader application integrated within Chrome OS. This issue stems from an inappropriate implementation that creates a pathway for remote attackers to exploit network traffic interception capabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome OS versions prior to 62.0.3202.74, where the screen reader's handling of network requests fails to properly secure cleartext HTTP communications, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can leverage.
The technical flaw manifests in how ChromeVox processes and manages HTTP requests within the Chrome OS environment. When attackers occupy a privileged network position, they can observe or manipulate cleartext HTTP traffic that should remain protected. This weakness occurs because the screen reader application does not adequately implement proper network security controls for unencrypted communications, allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks where sensitive data can be intercepted or modified without detection. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security boundaries that should protect network communications, particularly those involving assistive technologies that require access to web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it affects the integrity and confidentiality of user communications within the Chrome OS environment. Attackers with network privileges can exploit this flaw to monitor user activities, potentially accessing sensitive information or modifying requests in transit. This is particularly concerning for users who rely on ChromeVox for accessibility, as the vulnerability could expose their browsing patterns and personal data. The attack vector requires only a privileged network position, making it accessible to attackers who may have gained access to network infrastructure or are positioned to intercept traffic, such as in public Wi-Fi environments or corporate networks with insufficient security controls.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through network transmission, and relates to the ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers data compression and encryption. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Chrome OS version 62.0.3202.74 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation, deploying proper encryption protocols for all communications, and ensuring that assistive technologies are properly configured to avoid unnecessary network exposure. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate interception attempts, and organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The patch addresses the root cause by strengthening the network security implementation within ChromeVox to properly handle cleartext HTTP requests and prevent unauthorized access to network communications.