CVE-2018-16075 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient file type enforcement in Blink in Google Chrome prior to 69.0.3497.81 allowed a remote attacker to obtain local file data via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16075 represents a critical security flaw within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. This issue stems from inadequate validation of file types during the processing of web content, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the browser's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 69.0.3497.81, making it a significant concern for users who have not updated their browser installations. The flaw allows malicious actors to craft specially designed HTML pages that can bypass normal security restrictions and access local file data on the victim's system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient file type enforcement mechanisms within Blink's implementation. When processing web content, the browser should enforce strict validation of file types to prevent unauthorized access to local resources. However, the flaw in the implementation allows attackers to manipulate the browser's behavior through crafted HTML elements, potentially triggering unintended file access operations. This weakness can be categorized under CWE-22, which deals with improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries, where web content should be isolated from the underlying operating system's file system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-16075 is substantial as it enables remote code execution and data exfiltration capabilities for attackers. A successful exploitation allows remote adversaries to access local file data without user interaction, potentially compromising sensitive information stored on the victim's device. This includes personal documents, system configuration files, and potentially system credentials or other confidential data. The attack vector requires only a victim to view a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through web-based attack vectors, and T1074, which covers data staging and collection from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Google Chrome, specifically version 69.0.3497.81 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious HTML content, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing mechanisms that isolate browser processes from the underlying operating system. Browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary file access permissions and implementing strict MIME type validation can further reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider network-based monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual file access patterns or suspicious web traffic originating from browser processes.