CVE-2017-15420 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in browser navigation in Google Chrome prior to 63.0.3239.84 allowed a remote attacker to spoof the contents of the Omnibox (URL bar) via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15420 represents a significant browser security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 63.0.3239.84, specifically affecting the browser's navigation implementation and Omnibox functionality. This issue falls under the category of user interface spoofing attacks where malicious actors could manipulate the visual representation of web addresses displayed in the browser's address bar. The flaw stems from an inadequate validation mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or verify the content being rendered in the Omnibox, creating an opportunity for attackers to present misleading information to users. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security architecture and user interface design, where the trust relationship between the browser and its users becomes compromised through deceptive visual elements.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when Chrome processes navigation requests from crafted HTML pages that attempt to manipulate the Omnibox display. Attackers can leverage specific HTML elements or JavaScript behaviors to influence how the browser renders the URL bar content, potentially displaying fake domain names or misleading address information that appears legitimate to users. This occurs because Chrome's navigation handling system does not adequately distinguish between legitimate and malicious content when updating the Omnibox, allowing crafted payloads to override normal display behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exploits the fundamental trust users place in their browser's address bar as a security indicator. The flaw can be classified under CWE-20 as an improper input validation, specifically involving the handling of navigation events and URL display components. It also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through malicious scripts and T1566 for social engineering via deceptive web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated phishing attacks and credential theft operations. Users who rely on the Omnibox as a security indicator may be misled into trusting malicious websites, potentially leading to data breaches, financial fraud, or system compromise. The attack vector typically involves hosting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerable code path when users navigate to it, making the exploitation relatively straightforward for threat actors. This vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently interact with web content and rely on browser security features for protection, as it undermines the browser's ability to provide reliable security indicators. The risk is compounded by the fact that such spoofing attacks can be highly convincing to the average user, especially when combined with other social engineering techniques or when targeting specific organizations with tailored malicious content. Organizations implementing security measures must consider this vulnerability as part of their browser security posture, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15420 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 63.0.3239.84 or later, where Google implemented fixes to strengthen the validation of navigation events and Omnibox display behavior. Browser administrators should also implement additional security measures including content filtering systems, web application firewalls, and user education programs to reduce the risk of exploitation. The fix addresses the root cause by introducing proper input validation for navigation events and ensuring that Omnibox updates cannot be overridden by malicious content without proper verification. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques and monitoring for suspicious navigation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical for maintaining protection against similar vulnerabilities that may arise from similar implementation flaws in browser security components. The remediation process should also include reviewing browser security policies and ensuring that users are aware of the importance of verifying website addresses through multiple means beyond relying solely on Omnibox display information.