CVE-2017-17692 in Internet Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung Internet Browser 5.4.02.3 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and obtain sensitive information via crafted JavaScript code that redirects to a child tab and rewrites the innerHTML property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17692 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Internet Browser version 5.4.02.3 that fundamentally undermines the browser's core security mechanisms. This issue enables remote attackers to circumvent the Same Origin Policy, which serves as one of the most fundamental security boundaries in web browsers. The Same Origin Policy prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources or data from another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. When this policy is bypassed, malicious actors gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should remain isolated between different web domains.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specifically crafted JavaScript code that leverages tab redirection and innerHTML property manipulation. Attackers can create malicious web pages that redirect users to child tabs and then exploit the browser's handling of the innerHTML property to access sensitive data from other origins. This technique demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of browser security mechanisms and how they can be manipulated through seemingly benign DOM operations. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform cross-origin data exfiltration without proper authentication or authorization, making it particularly dangerous for users who browse the web with sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a complete breakdown in browser security architecture. Users who visit malicious websites could have their personal data, session tokens, or other sensitive information accessed by attackers without their knowledge or consent. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may access corporate networks through the affected browser, potentially allowing attackers to harvest credentials or sensitive business data. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need to interact with malicious content directly, as the exploit can be triggered through normal browsing activities.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of Samsung Internet Browser where this vulnerability has been patched. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to limit the impact of such attacks. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree methodology, where attackers can leverage browser flaws to escalate privileges and access unauthorized resources. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-345, which addresses insufficient verification of data authenticity, and represents a clear example of how browser security mechanisms can be bypassed through creative exploitation techniques. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of sandboxing and strict isolation between browser components, as the ability to manipulate tab behavior and DOM properties across origins indicates inadequate process separation and security boundaries within the browser implementation.