CVE-2018-6037 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in autofill in Google Chrome prior to 64.0.3282.119 allowed a remote attacker to obtain autofill data with insufficient user gestures via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6037 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's autofill implementation that existed prior to version 64.0.3282.119. This issue stems from an inadequate validation of user interaction patterns during autofill operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the browser's data collection mechanisms without proper user consent. The flaw specifically targets the browser's handling of user gestures and input validation processes, allowing malicious actors to craft HTML pages that can trigger autofill functionality without requiring explicit user actions.
The technical implementation flaw resides in Chrome's insufficient verification of user gesture requirements for autofill operations. According to CWE-668, this vulnerability maps to the weakness of "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where the autofill system incorrectly exposes sensitive user data to unauthorized script execution contexts. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated manipulation of HTML page construction that bypasses normal user interaction protocols, effectively allowing automated script execution to access stored autofill information including form fields, personal details, and other sensitive data that users typically expect to be protected by explicit user consent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to user privacy and data security across multiple attack vectors. The remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors can craft web pages that automatically trigger autofill mechanisms when loaded in a victim's browser, potentially accessing saved passwords, credit card information, addresses, and other personal data stored in Chrome's autofill database. This represents a serious violation of user trust and could enable credential theft, identity fraud, and financial fraud on a large scale. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The security implications extend beyond simple data theft to encompass potential chain reactions in broader attack scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework category T1552, this vulnerability facilitates unauthorized access to credentials and sensitive data, while also supporting techniques related to data hijacking and information gathering. Organizations and individuals using affected Chrome versions face substantial risk of data compromise, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or where phishing campaigns leverage this vulnerability to harvest sensitive information. The vulnerability's persistence in the browser's autofill system means that even users who regularly clear their browser data may still be vulnerable if they have previously interacted with the affected functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6037 primarily focus on immediate software updates to the latest Chrome version that addresses the vulnerability. Users should ensure their Chrome browser is updated to version 64.0.3282.119 or later, which implements proper user gesture validation for autofill operations. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security extensions, enabling strict content security policies, and maintaining awareness of suspicious website activity. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Chrome versions and establish protocols for immediate patch deployment. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive browser security monitoring to prevent exploitation of similar implementation flaws in other browser components.