CVE-2018-6033 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient data validation in Downloads in Google Chrome prior to 64.0.3282.119 allowed a remote attacker to potentially run arbitrary code outside sandbox via a crafted Chrome Extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6033 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's handling of downloaded extensions, specifically within the extension management system. This issue stems from inadequate data validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize input from downloaded chrome extensions, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution outside the browser's sandboxed environment. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 64.0.3282.119, where the browser's security model becomes compromised due to insufficient verification of extension metadata and file integrity checks during the download and installation process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted chrome extension that manipulates the download and installation flow to bypass Chrome's security boundaries. Attackers can construct malicious extensions that appear legitimate to the user interface while containing malicious payloads designed to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The flaw lies in the insufficient validation of extension manifest files and associated metadata, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that escapes the typical sandbox restrictions imposed on browser extensions. This weakness specifically targets Chrome's extension installation mechanism where the browser fails to adequately verify the integrity and legitimacy of downloaded extensions before granting them elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6033 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process itself. This creates a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access, harvest sensitive data, or deploy additional malware components on compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can leverage this flaw through web-based attack vectors without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently interact with untrusted web content. The sandbox bypass aspect of this vulnerability directly violates Chrome's security architecture principles, as it allows malicious code to operate outside the intended isolation boundaries that protect user systems from browser-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through Chrome updates to version 64.0.3282.119 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the insufficient data validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Chrome installations remain current with security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing browser hardening policies, restricting extension installation permissions, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious extension download activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness that can lead to various security issues including code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, specifically targeting the browser exploitation phase where adversaries establish footholds through legitimate software components.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of robust input validation in browser security models and demonstrate how seemingly minor validation gaps can create significant security risks. Chrome's extension system represents a complex attack surface where user trust and security boundaries intersect, making proper validation essential for maintaining system integrity. Organizations should also consider implementing extension whitelisting policies and user education programs to reduce the risk of downloading malicious extensions. Security researchers and organizations should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in browser extension systems and maintain awareness of the evolving threat landscape surrounding browser-based attacks and sandbox escape techniques.