CVE-2019-13669 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect data validation in navigation in Google Chrome 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 navigation spoofing flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 77.0.3865.75, where the browser failed to properly validate data during navigation operations. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allowed malicious actors to manipulate the Omnibox display, creating a deceptive user experience that could be exploited for phishing attacks and other social engineering schemes. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of navigation events and the subsequent rendering of URL information in the address bar, which is a fundamental security component designed to verify website authenticity.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within Chrome's navigation processing pipeline where the browser's security model does not adequately sanitize or validate URL data during the transition between web pages. Attackers could craft malicious HTML pages that manipulate the browser's internal state to display misleading URL information in the Omnibox, making it appear as though users are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually navigating to malicious domains. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-1004 category of Security Weaknesses in the Context of Input Validation and User Interface, specifically addressing the improper handling of user interface elements that display security-critical information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user confusion to create significant security risks for organizations and individuals. Users could be deceived into believing they are visiting trusted websites, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or malware installation. The attack vector requires only a crafted HTML page that can be delivered through email, compromised websites, or other social engineering methods, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may not be adequately trained to recognize such sophisticated deception techniques. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 category of Phishing and T1059 command and control, where attackers leverage user interface manipulation to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The mitigation strategy involves updating to Chrome version 77.0.3865.75 or later, which includes proper data validation mechanisms that prevent the manipulation of navigation state during page transitions. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider deploying additional security measures such as web application firewalls, content filtering solutions, and user education programs to reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all endpoints are properly patched to prevent potential exploitation attempts that could lead to more severe security incidents. The fix implemented by Google addresses the root cause by strengthening input validation processes and ensuring that navigation events properly validate URL data before updating the Omnibox display, thereby restoring the browser's ability to provide accurate security information to users.