CVE-2022-4913 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2023
Inappropriate implementation in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 105.0.5195.52 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to spoof extension storage via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4913 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's extension system that could enable remote code execution and privilege escalation through improper access control mechanisms. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 105.0.5195.52 and stems from an inadequate implementation of extension storage management within the browser's renderer process. The flaw specifically allows an attacker who has already compromised the renderer process to manipulate extension storage data through malicious HTML content, effectively bypassing intended security boundaries. This vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and data manipulation attacks, as it enables an attacker to modify extension-related data that should be protected from unauthorized access. The security implications are particularly severe because extension storage often contains sensitive information including user preferences, authentication tokens, and other persistent data that extensions rely upon for their functionality.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and access control mechanisms within Chrome's extension storage subsystem. When a renderer process is compromised, the attacker can craft specific HTML content that exploits a flaw in how Chrome handles extension storage operations, allowing them to manipulate stored extension data without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability typically maps to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) categories, as it involves both inadequate access controls and insufficient validation of user-supplied data. The flaw operates at the boundary between different security domains within the browser architecture, specifically between the renderer process and the extension storage management system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify extension behavior, inject malicious data, or potentially gain further access to other browser components that depend on extension storage for their operation. The Chromium security severity classification of High indicates the significant risk this vulnerability poses to user security and privacy.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4913 extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks that could lead to complete browser compromise. An attacker who has already gained control of a renderer process can use this vulnerability to modify extension storage data, potentially altering extension permissions, injecting malicious code into extensions, or corrupting extension configuration. This could result in persistent backdoors, credential theft, or further escalation of privileges within the browser environment. The attack vector through crafted HTML pages means that users could be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments that contain the malicious content. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in targeted attacks where attackers have already established initial access through other means, as it provides them with a reliable method to maintain persistence and expand their control within the browser environment. The impact is further amplified by the fact that many extensions rely heavily on stored data for their functionality, making this a valuable attack vector for adversaries seeking to compromise extension-based security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4913 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and enhanced monitoring of extension activities. Users should immediately update to Chrome version 105.0.5195.52 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of extension storage access patterns and establish strict policies for extension management and deployment. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of installed extensions and disable any that are not essential for business operations. The recommended approach includes implementing principle of least privilege for extension permissions, regularly reviewing extension access logs, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary extensions, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the patch has been properly applied and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the browser configuration.