CVE-2022-0097 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2022
Inappropriate implementation in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 97.0.4692.71 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to to potentially allow extension to escape the sandbox via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in Google Chrome's DevTools component affecting versions prior to 97.0.4692.71. The issue stems from an insecure implementation that fails to properly validate or restrict access controls when processing maliciously crafted HTML content. Attackers could leverage this weakness by convincing users to install a malicious browser extension, which then exploits the DevTools sandbox boundary to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code outside the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the extension installation and execution flow within Chrome's developer tools environment, where proper isolation mechanisms between the browser's core processes and extension components have been compromised.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully crafted HTML page that triggers improper handling of extension-related resources within the DevTools context. This allows the malicious extension to bypass normal sandbox restrictions and potentially access sensitive system resources or user data. The flaw demonstrates a failure in Chrome's privilege separation model where the DevTools interface should maintain strict isolation from the underlying extension execution environment. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276: Incorrect Permissions for Critical Resource, as it involves improper access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized privilege escalation. The attack vector requires social engineering to convince users to install the malicious extension, making it particularly dangerous in targeted campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise through lateral movement and data exfiltration. Once an attacker achieves sandbox escape, they can access user browsing data, cookies, and potentially sensitive information stored in the browser's local storage. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate extension installation mechanisms to achieve unauthorized access. The affected Chrome versions would have been vulnerable to various attack scenarios including credential theft, session hijacking, and persistent backdoor installation. Organizations using Chrome in enterprise environments would face significant risk exposure as this vulnerability could be exploited in phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks targeting specific user groups.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 97.0.4692.71 or later, where the sandbox escape mechanism has been properly addressed. Administrators should implement strict extension installation policies and regularly audit installed extensions to identify potentially malicious components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual extension behavior or unauthorized access attempts to browser resources. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only installing extensions from trusted sources and being cautious of suspicious installation prompts. Browser security configurations should include enhanced sandboxing parameters and restricted extension permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation solutions and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other browser components or third-party applications that might present similar sandbox escape risks.