CVE-2017-15430 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unsafe navigation in Chromecast in Google Chrome prior to 63.0.3239.84 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15430 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's Chromecast implementation that existed prior to version 63.0.3239.84. This issue specifically targets the navigation handling mechanisms within the Chromecast casting functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions. The flaw manifests through improper validation of navigation requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the casting behavior and potentially redirect users to unauthorized content or execute unintended actions. This vulnerability directly impacts the secure operation of Chromecast devices when used in conjunction with Chrome browsers, undermining the trust model that should govern device interactions and content delivery.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Chromecast navigation processing code. When Chrome processes navigation requests from web pages to Chromecast devices, the system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of the target URLs or navigation parameters. This unsafe navigation handling allows attackers to craft specially designed HTML pages that can manipulate the casting behavior through crafted URLs or navigation commands. The flaw operates at the intersection of web browser security and device casting protocols, where the browser's handling of casting commands does not adequately enforce security boundaries. This weakness is categorized under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and specifically relates to the improper handling of navigation parameters in a casting context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content redirection, as it enables sophisticated attack scenarios that could compromise user privacy and device integrity. Remote attackers could leverage this flaw to force Chromecast devices to navigate to malicious websites, potentially leading to phishing attacks or the execution of harmful code on the receiving device. The vulnerability also poses risks to enterprise environments where Chromecast devices might be used in controlled settings, as it could allow unauthorized access to presentation content or enable attackers to disrupt legitimate casting sessions. Furthermore, the flaw could be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to create more complex attack chains, potentially leading to broader system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the execution and persistence phases through unauthorized navigation manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15430 primarily focus on updating Chrome browsers to version 63.0.3239.84 or later, which includes patched navigation handling code. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly in environments where Chromecast devices are actively used. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious navigation patterns, though this approach provides only partial protection. Additional defensive measures include disabling Chromecast functionality in environments where it is not required, implementing strict firewall rules for casting protocols, and monitoring network traffic for unusual navigation patterns. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on browser-based device interactions and ensure that all endpoints are properly configured to prevent unauthorized casting operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software in preventing exploitation of browser-based device interaction flaws that could compromise both user privacy and system integrity.