CVE-2019-13681 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient data validation in downloads in Google Chrome prior to 77.0.3865.75 allowed a remote attacker to bypass download restrictions via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13681 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's download handling mechanism that existed prior to version 77.0.3865.75. This issue stems from inadequate data validation during the download process, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions. The flaw specifically affects the browser's ability to properly validate and sanitize download requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the download behavior through carefully crafted HTML content. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in Chrome's security architecture where the browser fails to adequately verify the legitimacy of download sources and destinations, potentially enabling unauthorized file transfers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insufficient input validation mechanisms within Chrome's download subsystem. When a user encounters a malicious HTML page, the browser's download handler does not sufficiently validate the file attributes, destination paths, or source origins of requested downloads. This weakness enables attackers to craft HTML pages that contain malicious download directives which bypass the normal security checks typically enforced by the browser. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the browser's content security policies, allowing remote code execution through download manipulation. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which encompasses issues where software fails to properly validate input data before processing it. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file downloads as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including the execution of malicious payloads through compromised download channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13681 is significant within enterprise and individual security contexts. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware through seemingly legitimate download prompts, bypassing traditional security controls such as antivirus scanning and content filtering systems. The attack vector typically involves phishing campaigns or compromised websites that present malicious download requests to unsuspecting users. This vulnerability can result in data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within networks, particularly when users inadvertently download malicious files from compromised websites. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1193: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers use malicious attachments to gain initial access to systems. Organizations relying on Chrome for web browsing face elevated risk of successful attacks, as the vulnerability affects the browser's core functionality and user trust model.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 77.0.3865.75 or later, which implements proper input validation and enhanced download restriction enforcement. Security administrators should deploy automated patch management systems to ensure all user endpoints receive the security update promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security policies such as Content Security Policy headers, restricting download permissions through group policies, and deploying network-based security controls to monitor and block suspicious download activities. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about phishing attempts and suspicious download prompts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for secure web browsing and application security. Network administrators should monitor for anomalous download patterns and implement sandboxing techniques for handling untrusted content. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Chrome versions and patch status to prevent exploitation of this and similar download-related vulnerabilities.