CVE-2023-2314 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2023
Insufficient data validation in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 111.0.5563.64 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2314 represents a critical weakness in Google Chrome's DevTools implementation that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw exists within the browser's developer tools component and affects versions prior to 111.0.5563.64, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The issue manifests through insufficient data validation processes that fail to properly sanitize or verify user-supplied input within the DevTools context, allowing malicious actors to craft specific HTML content that can circumvent intended navigation restrictions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of input validation failures and access control bypass mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and potentially CWE-284, which deals with improper access control. The flaw operates by exploiting the DevTools interface's trust model, where crafted HTML elements can manipulate the browser's navigation behavior in ways that should normally be restricted. Attackers can leverage this weakness to construct malicious web pages that appear to comply with navigation policies while actually executing unauthorized actions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who may inadvertently encounter malicious content while browsing or engaging with web applications that utilize Chrome's DevTools functionality. The low severity classification does not diminish the potential impact, as the ability to bypass navigation restrictions could enable attackers to access restricted content, redirect users to malicious sites, or interfere with normal browser operations. The remote exploitation aspect means that victims need not download any software or perform specific actions beyond visiting a compromised webpage, making this attack vector particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across various threat scenarios including social engineering attacks, drive-by downloads, and website compromise operations. Adversaries could craft HTML pages that appear legitimate while containing hidden elements designed to exploit the DevTools navigation bypass, potentially leading to data exfiltration, credential theft, or further compromise of the user's browsing session. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where developers frequently use DevTools for debugging and testing, as these users may be exposed to malicious content through various attack vectors including compromised development tools or malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 111.0.5563.64 or later, which incorporates the necessary validation improvements. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious HTML content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary DevTools access for non-privileged users and implementing strict content security policies can provide additional defense layers. From a threat intelligence perspective, monitoring for indicators of compromise related to this specific vulnerability and implementing automated vulnerability scanning for web applications can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated to address known security vulnerabilities.