CVE-2022-29247 in Electron
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2022
Electron is a framework for writing cross-platform desktop applications using JavaScript (JS), HTML, and CSS. A vulnerability in versions prior to 18.0.0-beta.6, 17.2.0, 16.2.6, and 15.5.5 allows a renderer with JS execution to obtain access to a new renderer process with `nodeIntegrationInSubFrames` enabled which in turn allows effective access to `ipcRenderer`. The `nodeIntegrationInSubFrames` option does not implicitly grant Node.js access. Rather, it depends on the existing sandbox setting. If an application is sandboxed, then `nodeIntegrationInSubFrames` just gives access to the sandboxed renderer APIs, which include `ipcRenderer`. If the application then additionally exposes IPC messages without IPC `senderFrame` validation that perform privileged actions or return confidential data this access to `ipcRenderer` can in turn compromise your application / user even with the sandbox enabled. Electron versions 18.0.0-beta.6, 17.2.0, 16.2.6, and 15.5.5 contain a fix for this issue. As a workaround, ensure that all IPC message handlers appropriately validate `senderFrame`.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
This vulnerability affects the Electron framework version prior to specific releases including 18.0.0-beta.6, 17.2.0, 16.2.6, and 15.5.5, representing a critical security flaw in how renderer processes handle Node.js integration within subframes. The issue stems from the improper handling of the `nodeIntegrationInSubFrames` parameter which allows a compromised renderer with JavaScript execution capabilities to gain access to a new renderer process that has this setting enabled. This creates an unexpected privilege escalation path where a malicious actor can leverage existing sandbox protections to obtain access to ipcRenderer functionality that should remain restricted.
The technical flaw manifests when applications utilize the `nodeIntegrationInSubFrames` option, which despite not automatically granting Node.js access, creates a dangerous scenario when combined with sandboxed environments. In sandboxed applications, this setting only provides access to sandboxed renderer APIs including ipcRenderer, but the vulnerability arises when applications fail to validate the `senderFrame` property of IPC messages. This oversight allows attackers to exploit the access to ipcRenderer to perform privileged actions or extract confidential data, effectively bypassing the intended sandbox protections and compromising the entire application or user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code and access sensitive information within applications that rely on Electron's cross-platform capabilities. This flaw particularly affects applications that use sandboxing as a primary security control, since the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent these protections through legitimate IPC mechanisms. The compromise can lead to complete application takeover, data exfiltration, and potential system-level attacks depending on the application's privileges and the data it handles. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources or functionality.
Mitigation strategies focus on implementing proper IPC message validation by ensuring that all IPC message handlers validate the `senderFrame` property before executing privileged operations or returning confidential data. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies recommended by the ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions of Electron mentioned in the advisory, while implementing robust input validation for all IPC communications to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify any applications that may be vulnerable to this specific attack vector and implement proper frame validation mechanisms throughout their Electron-based applications.