CVE-2018-10000 in Video Downloader Professional Extension
Summary
by MITRE
The Video Downloader professional extension before 2018-04-05 for Chrome has Universal XSS (UXSS) via vectors related to a link64_msgAddLinks event.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10000 affects the Video Downloader professional browser extension for Google Chrome, specifically versions prior to the 2018-04-05 release. This represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the extension's event handling system, particularly concerning the link64_msgAddLinks event. The affected extension processes user-supplied data without adequate security measures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute malicious scripts across different domains.
The technical flaw manifests through a universal cross-site scripting vulnerability that bypasses standard browser security restrictions. The link64_msgAddLinks event handler fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the extension's privileged context. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser extension security and cross-site scripting principles, enabling attackers to manipulate the extension's functionality and potentially access sensitive user data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting browser-based scripting environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical XSS scenarios due to the privileged nature of browser extensions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as stealing user credentials, accessing stored data, modifying extension behavior, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The universal nature of the vulnerability means it can affect multiple websites simultaneously, as the malicious code executes within the extension's context regardless of the current browsing domain. This creates a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions across various platforms where the vulnerable extension is installed. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to user privacy and data security, particularly given that browser extensions often have elevated permissions and access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10000 require immediate action from affected users and organizations. The primary remediation involves updating to the patched version of the Video Downloader professional extension released on or after April 5, 2018, which addresses the input validation deficiencies in the link64_msgAddLinks event handler. Users should also consider reviewing their installed browser extensions and removing any that are outdated or no longer maintained. Organizations should implement extension management policies that restrict installation of third-party extensions and conduct regular security audits of browser extensions in use. Additionally, browser security configurations should be reviewed to ensure proper sandboxing and isolation of extension processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in browser extension development, emphasizing that extensions should never trust user-provided data without proper sanitization and validation mechanisms.