CVE-2022-3310 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2022
Insufficient policy enforcement in custom tabs in Google Chrome on Android prior to 106.0.5249.62 allowed an attacker who convinced the user to install an application to bypass same origin policy via a crafted application. (Chrome security severity: Medium)
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-3310 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's implementation of custom tabs on Android platforms. This issue stems from insufficient policy enforcement mechanisms that govern how applications interact with web content through the custom tabs API. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 106.0.5249.62, where the browser's security model fails to properly enforce same origin policy restrictions when custom tabs are utilized. The same origin policy is a fundamental security mechanism that prevents web pages from accessing resources from different origins without proper authorization, serving as a cornerstone of web application security and browser isolation.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker convinces a user to install a malicious application that can manipulate the custom tabs functionality. This crafted application can exploit the inadequate policy enforcement to bypass the same origin policy, effectively allowing cross-origin access to web resources that should remain isolated. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the browser's security architecture, where the custom tabs API should enforce strict boundaries between the host application and the web content being displayed. This bypass enables attackers to potentially access sensitive data, execute unauthorized operations, or perform cross-site scripting attacks against users who have interacted with malicious applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that protects users from malicious applications. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can effectively circumvent the sandboxing mechanisms that separate the browser's web rendering environment from the underlying Android application framework. This creates a vector for sophisticated attacks where malicious applications can leverage the browser's trust relationship to access web resources that should be protected from unauthorized access. The medium severity classification reflects the fact that exploitation requires user interaction through application installation, but once successful, the consequences can be severe enough to warrant immediate attention.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-693, which addresses protection mechanism failures in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt updating of Chrome to version 106.0.5249.62 or later, deployment of mobile device management solutions to restrict application installation, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious application behavior. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources, and administrators should consider implementing network-based protections that can detect and block malicious cross-origin requests. The fix implemented by Google addresses the core policy enforcement issue by strengthening the validation mechanisms within the custom tabs API and ensuring that proper origin checking is maintained even when applications attempt to manipulate the browsing context.