CVE-2018-6128 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect URL parsing in WebKit in Google Chrome on iOS prior to 67.0.3396.62 allowed a remote attacker to perform domain spoofing via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6128 represents a critical flaw in the WebKit rendering engine that powers Google Chrome on iOS platforms. This issue stems from improper URL parsing mechanisms that fail to correctly handle certain malformed or specially crafted URLs within web pages. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 67.0.3396.62 on iOS devices, creating a significant security risk for users who may encounter maliciously constructed web content. The flaw operates at the core level of web browser functionality where URL interpretation and validation should occur, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate how URLs are displayed and interpreted within the browser environment. When a user visits a maliciously crafted HTML page, the flawed URL parsing logic can cause the browser to display a deceptive URL that appears legitimate while actually directing to a malicious destination. This domain spoofing capability enables attackers to create convincing phishing scenarios where the address bar shows a trusted domain name while the actual content being loaded comes from an untrusted source. The vulnerability operates by exploiting how WebKit processes URL components and can be triggered through various URL encoding techniques or malformed URL structures that bypass normal validation checks. This issue maps directly to CWE-601, which addresses URL redirection and forward slash vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for operating system command and script injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6128 extends beyond simple phishing attacks to potentially enable more sophisticated social engineering campaigns. Users may be deceived into trusting malicious websites based on the spoofed domain names displayed in the browser interface, leading to credential theft, malware installation, or financial fraud. The vulnerability affects all iOS users of Chrome versions prior to the patched release, creating a widespread attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors targeting mobile users. The risk is particularly elevated given that iOS users often trust Chrome's interface and may not notice subtle differences in URL presentation that could indicate a security issue. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability could be combined with other attack vectors to create more effective phishing campaigns, as the domain spoofing aspect removes one of the primary user verification methods that typically help identify malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate software updates to Chrome version 67.0.3396.62 or later, which contains the necessary patches to correct the URL parsing logic. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic updates for browser applications, particularly on iOS devices where the vulnerability exists. Users should be educated about the importance of verifying URLs even when they appear legitimate, as the vulnerability specifically targets the user interface elements that help establish trust in web browsing. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls or URL filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns. The fix implemented by Google addresses the root cause by strengthening URL parsing validation and ensuring proper handling of edge cases in URL construction. This remediation aligns with industry best practices for secure web browsing and demonstrates the importance of regular security updates in maintaining browser security. Organizations should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and maintain awareness of emerging threats targeting mobile web browsing environments.