CVE-2022-2622 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2022
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Safe Browsing in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 104.0.5112.79 allowed a remote attacker to bypass download restrictions via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2622 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's Safe Browsing implementation on Windows platforms. This issue stems from inadequate validation of untrusted input within the browser's security framework, specifically affecting versions prior to 104.0.5112.79. The flaw operates at the intersection of web browser security and input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended download restrictions that are fundamental to user protection. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," a foundational weakness in software security that manifests when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize input data from untrusted sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file attributes or metadata that Chrome's Safe Browsing mechanism uses to determine whether downloads should be permitted. Attackers can craft specifically formatted files that appear benign to the browser's security checks while containing malicious payloads. This bypass mechanism exploits the gap between the input validation process and the actual security decision-making framework within Chrome's Safe Browsing implementation. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the browser's interpretation of file characteristics, leading to the execution of downloads that would normally be blocked based on security policies.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2622 extends beyond simple bypass of download restrictions, representing a significant threat to user security and system integrity. Users operating affected Chrome versions face increased risk of malware installation, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities that exploit the browser's security controls. The vulnerability particularly affects Windows environments where Chrome's Safe Browsing features are most actively deployed, creating a targeted attack surface for threat actors. This weakness undermines the core security model of modern browsers, where Safe Browsing serves as a critical defense mechanism against malicious downloads and phishing attempts that are prevalent in today's threat landscape.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome installations to versions 104.0.5112.79 or later, where Google has implemented proper input validation controls. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where Chrome browsers are widely used. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing supplementary security measures such as web application firewalls and network-based intrusion detection systems to provide layered protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of continuous security monitoring and the need for robust input validation across all security controls within browser applications. This incident reinforces the ATT&CK framework's concept of T1059, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to execute malicious code, and highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches as a fundamental defensive measure against known vulnerabilities.