CVE-2019-13702 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in installer in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 78.0.3904.70 allowed a local attacker to perform privilege escalation via a crafted executable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13702 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows installer component of Google Chrome versions prior to 78.0.3904.70. This issue stems from an insecure implementation that fails to properly validate executable files during the installation process, creating an avenue for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrator level. The flaw specifically affects the installer's handling of crafted executable files, where insufficient input validation allows malicious code to be executed with elevated privileges. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which is a fundamental weakness in software security that enables attackers to manipulate system behavior through malformed inputs. The installer component's failure to properly sanitize or verify executable files creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the trust relationship between the installer and the operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker places a specially crafted executable file in a location that the Chrome installer will process during normal operation. The installer, lacking proper validation mechanisms, treats the malicious executable with the same trust level as legitimate installation files, leading to unauthorized privilege escalation. This flaw demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration where the installer component does not implement proper access controls or file verification procedures that would normally be expected in a secure installation process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent trust that the installer places in files it processes, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that separate user and administrator contexts. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to install malicious software, modify system files, or establish persistent access to compromised systems without requiring elevated privileges initially.
The impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform actions that would normally be restricted to administrators. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install rootkits, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Specifically, this issue enables techniques categorized under T1068 for locally executed privilege escalation and T1083 for system information discovery. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Chrome face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, malicious file delivery, or by compromising systems where users have legitimate access to the Chrome installation process. The vulnerability's presence in the installer component means that even if users are not actively running Chrome, the system remains at risk during installation or update processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13702 primarily focus on immediate remediation through the installation of Chrome version 78.0.3904.70 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the installer validation issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries, monitoring installer activity for suspicious file operations, and conducting regular security audits of installation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that users operate with the minimum necessary permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in installer components, emphasizing the need for proper input validation, file integrity checks, and privilege separation mechanisms. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual installer activity or unexpected privilege escalation events, and maintain updated threat intelligence to detect potential exploitation attempts.