CVE-2022-0309 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2022
Inappropriate implementation in Autofill in Google Chrome prior to 97.0.4692.99 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
This vulnerability resides in the autofill functionality of google chrome browsers version 97.0.4692.99 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the browser's navigation restriction mechanisms. The issue stems from an improper implementation within the autofill component that fails to adequately validate or sanitize user input during form filling operations. When users encounter a crafted html page containing maliciously constructed form elements, the autofill system processes these inputs without sufficient safeguards, potentially allowing unauthorized navigation attempts.
The technical flaw manifests when a remote attacker constructs a specially designed html document that exploits the autofill subsystem's inadequate boundary checking and input validation. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of improper input validation as defined by cwe-20, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided data before processing it within the browser's internal systems. The attack vector leverages the browser's trust in its own autofill mechanisms, which should normally operate within controlled boundaries but instead permit bypassing navigation restrictions that are typically enforced by the browser's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or unauthorized access attempts. Attackers can potentially redirect users to malicious websites, inject unwanted content, or manipulate the browser's navigation flow in ways that circumvent normal security controls. This weakness particularly affects users who rely on chrome's autofill features for password management and form completion, as simply visiting a compromised webpage could trigger the exploit without requiring additional user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. The vulnerability essentially creates a tunnel through which attackers can bypass navigation restrictions that are fundamental to maintaining browser security boundaries.
The security implications align with several attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly those involving privilege escalation and evasion of application controls. This vulnerability enables adversaries to circumvent typical browser security boundaries by exploiting the trust placed in legitimate browser features. Organizations should consider implementing additional network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to provide defense-in-depth measures. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate updating of chrome browsers to version 97.0.4692.99 or later, which contains the patched implementation that properly validates autofill inputs and enforces navigation restrictions. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing browser hardening policies that limit the scope of automated form filling features in environments where security is paramount, particularly when dealing with sensitive data handling scenarios.