CVE-2018-6050 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect security UI in Omnibox in Google Chrome prior to 64.0.3282.119 allowed a remote attacker to spoof the contents of the Omnibox (URL bar) via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6050 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's user interface handling mechanism, specifically within the Omnibox component that displays URL information to users. This issue stems from insufficient validation of web content that could potentially manipulate the visual representation of the address bar, creating a deceptive user experience that undermines the browser's security model. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 64.0.3282.119, leaving users exposed to sophisticated phishing attacks that exploit the trust users place in the browser's visual security indicators.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how Chrome processes HTML content that interacts with the Omnibox display system. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that manipulate the visual presentation of the address bar, making it appear as though they are visiting a legitimate website when in fact they are not. This occurs through improper handling of HTML elements that influence the Omnibox's appearance, allowing remote code execution that can alter the displayed URL information without proper security validation. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser UI rendering and security validation, creating a vector for social engineering attacks that bypass traditional URL verification mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception to create serious security implications for users who rely on the Omnibox as a primary indicator of website authenticity. When users observe a manipulated URL display, they may inadvertently trust malicious websites that appear to be legitimate, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or data breaches. This vulnerability specifically targets the user's trust in the browser's security interface, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the user interaction level rather than at the network protocol level. The attack vector requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to adversaries with basic web development knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6050 primarily focus on immediate software updates to the affected Chrome versions, ensuring users have the latest security patches that address the Omnibox validation flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies that maintain current versions across all systems, particularly in enterprise environments where users may be exposed to various web-based threats. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated browser versions that may be susceptible to similar UI-based attacks. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying URL authenticity through multiple indicators beyond the Omnibox display, including checking for secure connection indicators and domain name verification.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-605, which describes "Multiple Mappings of a Single Resource" in security contexts, specifically relating to how user interface elements can be manipulated to present misleading information. The flaw also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1056.001, which covers "Input Injection: Data Encoding" in the context of user interface manipulation. The security implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the critical importance of maintaining robust validation mechanisms for all user interface components, particularly those that serve as primary security indicators for end users. The attack model represents a classic case of UI redressing, where the visual presentation of security information is deliberately altered to mislead users into trusting malicious content, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that protect both the underlying system and the user's perception of security.