CVE-2019-13762 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient policy enforcement in downloads in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 79.0.3945.79 allowed a local attacker to spoof downloaded files via local code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's download handling mechanism on Windows operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 79.0.3945.79. The issue stems from insufficient policy enforcement during the download process, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate downloaded files through local code execution. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient enforcement of security policies, which is classified as CWE-693 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Attackers could exploit this weakness to potentially replace legitimate downloaded files with malicious counterparts, thereby bypassing Chrome's security mechanisms that typically protect users from harmful content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Chrome's failure to properly validate file integrity and authenticity during the download lifecycle on Windows platforms. When users initiate downloads, the browser should enforce strict policies to ensure that downloaded files match their expected signatures and originate from legitimate sources. However, the flaw allowed attackers with local system access to manipulate the download process, potentially substituting files with malicious versions that appear legitimate to the user. This type of attack aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1195.002, which describes the exploitation of software supply chain compromises to gain access to target systems through modified downloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file replacement, as it fundamentally undermines user trust in Chrome's download security features. Local attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, potentially escalating privileges or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who have already compromised the target system through other means. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of privilege escalation attacks, where attackers can leverage existing access to expand their control over the affected system. The security implications are further compounded by the fact that many users may not immediately notice when their downloaded files have been tampered with, especially if the malicious replacements maintain similar file names or extensions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Chrome version 79.0.3945.79 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the insufficient policy enforcement. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as network monitoring to detect unusual download patterns and file integrity verification tools to ensure that downloaded content remains unchanged. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which applications can execute downloads and modify system files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of download mechanisms, particularly in environments where local code execution is possible. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical in preventing exploitation of such flaws, as they ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed before attackers can leverage them. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify and respond to suspicious download activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.