CVE-2017-5101 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in Omnibox in Google Chrome prior to 60.0.3112.78 for Linux, Windows, and Mac allowed a remote attacker to spoof the contents of the Omnibox via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5101 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's Omnibox implementation across multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, and Mac platforms. This issue stems from an inadequate handling of HTML content within the browser's address bar functionality, creating a potential avenue for malicious actors to manipulate user perception of web addresses. The flaw specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 60.0.3112.78, leaving users exposed to sophisticated phishing attacks that exploit the browser's visual interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and rendering of HTML elements within the Omnibox component, which is responsible for displaying and processing URL information in the browser's address bar. Attackers can craft malicious HTML pages that exploit the browser's failure to properly sanitize or isolate the visual representation of URLs, potentially causing the Omnibox to display misleading information that appears to originate from legitimate websites. This implementation flaw creates a deceptive user experience where the browser interface shows one URL while actually navigating to another, effectively bypassing traditional security mechanisms that rely on visual verification of addresses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception, as it undermines fundamental security assumptions about user trust in browser interface elements. Users may be tricked into believing they are visiting secure websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content, making this a significant concern for credential theft, data exfiltration, and other sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that users across different operating systems are equally at risk, eliminating any potential protection through platform-specific security measures.
This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates how interface-level security failures can create attack surfaces that bypass traditional network-level protections. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to prevent exploitation, while security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious browser behavior or unexpected navigation patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the importance of verifying URL authenticity and implementing multi-factor authentication can help mitigate potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.