CVE-2017-5083 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in Blink in Google Chrome prior to 59.0.3071.86 for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and 59.0.3071.92 for Android, allowed a remote attacker to display UI on a non attacker controlled tab via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5083 represents a significant security flaw within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome browsers across multiple platforms. This issue stems from an inadequate implementation of user interface handling mechanisms that fails to properly validate or restrict the display of interface elements within browser tabs. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 59.0.3071.86 on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, as well as versions prior to 59.0.3071.92 on Android devices, creating a widespread exposure across the Chrome user base.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the browser's user interface display behavior through the careful construction of malicious HTML content. When a user visits a crafted webpage, the malicious code can force the browser to render UI elements within tabs that are not controlled by the attacker, potentially leading to misleading information display or interface manipulation. This flaw operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries, where legitimate UI rendering functionality is being exploited to bypass normal security restrictions that should prevent such cross-tab interface manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple display issues, as it represents a potential vector for phishing attacks, social engineering campaigns, or user interface confusion attacks. Attackers could craft malicious webpages that display misleading information within seemingly legitimate browser tabs, potentially tricking users into performing actions based on false UI indicators. This type of vulnerability directly impacts user trust in browser security and could be leveraged to bypass security awareness training or create confusion about the actual state of browser tabs. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," as it allows unauthorized access to browser interface resources from untrusted content sources.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security models where the boundary between trusted and untrusted content must be carefully maintained. The flaw represents a failure in the browser's security sandboxing mechanisms, particularly in how it handles UI element rendering across different tab contexts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can leverage HTML and JavaScript to manipulate browser behavior in unintended ways. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no local privileges and can be executed through simple web page visits, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to the patched versions of Google Chrome as specified in the advisory, which addresses the underlying implementation flaw in the Blink engine's UI handling code. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all systems are running patched versions. Additionally, browser security configurations should include restrictions on potentially dangerous HTML elements and JavaScript execution, though these measures serve as supplementary protections rather than primary fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual UI behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for robust browser security models that properly isolate user interface rendering from potentially malicious content sources.