CVE-2017-5013 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux incorrectly handled new tab page navigations in non-selected tabs, which 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 • 08/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5013 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 on Linux systems. This issue stems from improper handling of new tab page navigations within non-selected tabs, creating a vector for remote code execution through malicious HTML page manipulation. The flaw specifically affects the browser's user interface components, particularly the Omnibox or URL bar functionality, which serves as a critical security indicator for users. The vulnerability falls under the category of user interface spoofing attacks where an attacker can manipulate the visual representation of the browser's address bar to display misleading information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits Chrome's tab management system where navigation events in non-selected tabs do not properly validate or sanitize the displayed URL information. When a user opens a new tab and navigates through a crafted HTML page, the browser fails to correctly update the Omnibox contents, allowing malicious actors to inject false URL information that appears legitimate to users. This behavior creates a false sense of security where users believe they are visiting a trusted website while actually being directed to malicious content. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and output sanitization in the browser's rendering engine, particularly affecting how tab navigation events are processed and displayed.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5013 extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it can enable more sophisticated social engineering campaigns where attackers can manipulate user trust through deceptive URL displays. Users may unknowingly enter credentials or sensitive information on sites that appear to be legitimate due to the spoofed Omnibox content. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which addresses URL redirector vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059 for user execution through malicious code. The attack vector requires only a web page to be loaded, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Chrome version 56.0.2924.76 or later where the tab navigation handling has been corrected. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider deploying automated patch management systems to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of verifying URL addresses directly in the Omnibox rather than relying solely on visual cues, as the spoofed information could appear legitimate. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability through network traffic analysis and browser telemetry data, particularly looking for unusual tab navigation patterns or unexpected URL changes in user sessions. The remediation process also includes implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious HTML content attempting to exploit this specific vulnerability pattern.