CVE-2019-13667 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in Omnibox in Google Chrome on iOS prior to 77.0.3865.75 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 • 02/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical user interface deception flaw in Google Chrome's Omnibox implementation on iOS platforms. The issue stems from an inadequate validation mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or verify the content displayed in the address bar, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the visual representation of web addresses. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 77.0.3865.75, indicating a window of exposure where users were susceptible to phishing attacks through visual spoofing techniques. The flaw enables attackers to present misleading URL information that appears legitimate to users, undermining the fundamental security principle of transparent web navigation.
The technical implementation flaw resides in how Chrome handles URL display and rendering within the Omnibox interface on iOS devices. When processing crafted HTML content, the browser fails to properly validate the source and authenticity of URL components, allowing malicious scripts or content to override or manipulate the displayed address. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of web rendering and user interface security, where the visual representation of web addresses becomes a vector for deception. The issue is particularly concerning because it directly impacts user trust in the browser's address bar, which serves as the primary indicator of website authenticity and security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to sophisticated phishing attacks where attackers can create convincing fake web pages that appear to be legitimate sites. Users may be deceived into entering sensitive information or credentials on malicious sites that visually mimic trusted domains. The attack vector requires a crafted HTML page that leverages specific browser rendering behaviors to manipulate the Omnibox display, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional security measures like SSL certificate warnings. This vulnerability effectively undermines the browser's security model by creating a false sense of security through deceptive visual cues.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves updating to Chrome version 77.0.3865.75 or later, which includes patched implementations that properly validate Omnibox content and prevent unauthorized manipulation of URL display. Organizations should ensure all iOS devices running Chrome are updated promptly to address this security gap. Additionally, security teams should monitor for any related phishing campaigns that may exploit this vulnerability, as attackers often target the most recent unpatched vulnerabilities. This remediation aligns with industry best practices for vulnerability management and demonstrates the importance of timely security updates in maintaining browser security. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive user education about recognizing phishing attempts, as visual deception techniques can bypass technical defenses when users are not properly trained to identify suspicious web content.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-601, URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to create convincing deceptive web interfaces. The implementation flaw represents a failure in input validation and output encoding, common patterns in web security vulnerabilities that require robust sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized manipulation of user interface elements.