CVE-2022-1132 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2022
Inappropriate implementation in Virtual Keyboard in Google Chrome on Chrome OS prior to 100.0.4896.60 allowed a local attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via physical access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's virtual keyboard implementation on Chrome OS devices, specifically affecting versions prior to 100.0.4896.60. The issue stems from an inadequate access control mechanism that fails to properly validate user input when physical access is gained to the device, allowing unauthorized navigation beyond intended restrictions. The flaw exists within the operating system's security model where Chrome OS typically enforces navigation boundaries through various mechanisms including content filtering and access controls, but the virtual keyboard component lacks proper validation checks.
The technical implementation error manifests in how Chrome OS handles keyboard input events when physical access is obtained by an attacker. When a local attacker gains physical possession of a Chrome OS device, they can manipulate the virtual keyboard functionality to bypass existing navigation restrictions that would normally prevent access to restricted websites or system resources. This occurs because the virtual keyboard component does not properly authenticate or validate the context in which input events are received, creating an attack vector through which malicious actors can circumvent security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations deploying Chrome OS devices in environments where physical security may be compromised. Attackers with physical access can exploit this flaw to navigate beyond intended restrictions without requiring additional authentication or authorization mechanisms. This poses particular risks in corporate environments, educational institutions, or any setting where Chrome OS devices are used to enforce content filtering policies or restrict access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor path that bypasses the normal security boundaries established by Chrome OS navigation controls.
This implementation flaw aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where attackers can leverage system components to execute unauthorized actions. Organizations using Chrome OS devices should immediately implement the available security patches to address this issue, as the vulnerability is not limited to a specific attack scenario but rather represents a fundamental flaw in how Chrome OS handles virtual keyboard input validation.
The mitigation strategy involves updating all affected Chrome OS devices to version 100.0.4896.60 or later, which includes proper access control mechanisms for virtual keyboard operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional physical security measures such as device encryption, restricted user accounts, and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security administrators should also review existing navigation restriction policies to ensure they account for potential exploitation of this vulnerability through physical access scenarios.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing across all system components, particularly those that interface with user input mechanisms. The flaw highlights how seemingly isolated components like virtual keyboards can create significant security risks when proper access control validation is not implemented throughout the entire system architecture. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar implementation gaps in their Chrome OS deployments and ensure that all system components adhere to established security principles and best practices for maintaining access controls and preventing unauthorized navigation attempts.