CVE-2022-2162 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2022
Insufficient policy enforcement in File System API in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 103.0.5060.53 allowed a remote attacker to bypass file system access via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2022
The vulnerability under discussion represents a critical security flaw in the File System API implementation within Google Chrome browsers running on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from insufficient policy enforcement mechanisms that fail to properly validate and restrict file system access permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended security boundaries. The flaw specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 103.0.5060.53, indicating a targeted vulnerability within a specific release cycle that required immediate remediation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper enforcement of security policies governing file system operations within the browser environment. When a user visits a crafted HTML page, the malicious code can exploit gaps in the permission validation system to gain unauthorized access to the local file system. This bypass occurs because the File System API lacks adequate checks to ensure that web content cannot perform actions beyond what is explicitly permitted by the user or security policies. The flaw essentially allows remote attackers to execute file system operations that should be restricted to trusted applications or user consent.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who may unknowingly visit malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive files from a victim's local system, potentially accessing personal documents, configuration files, or other data stored locally. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target machine, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in widespread deployment scenarios. The attack surface extends beyond simple file reading to potential data exfiltration and further compromise of the victim's system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, specifically targeting inadequate enforcement of access permissions. This classification emphasizes the fundamental security principle that access controls must be robustly implemented and enforced at all levels of the application stack. The flaw also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can potentially use the compromised file system access to execute further malicious operations or establish persistence within the victim's environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 103.0.5060.53 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the policy enforcement gaps. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all users receive timely security updates. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file system API usage patterns, implementing strict browser security policies through enterprise management tools, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Network monitoring solutions should also be configured to detect anomalous file system access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires coordinated efforts between security teams and IT administrators to ensure complete coverage across all affected systems while maintaining operational continuity during the update process.