CVE-2023-2460 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2023
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass file access checks via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2460 represents a critical weakness in Google Chrome's extension management system that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw existed in Chrome versions prior to 113.0.5672.63 and specifically targeted the extension installation and file access validation processes. The vulnerability arises from the browser's insufficient scrutiny of untrusted input when processing extension-related data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious HTML page designed to manipulate the extension installation process. When a user visits such a page and installs what appears to be a legitimate extension, the malicious extension can bypass normal file access controls that should normally restrict its capabilities. This occurs because the browser fails to properly validate the extension's metadata and file access permissions during the installation phase, allowing crafted inputs to be interpreted as legitimate access requests.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for end users who may inadvertently install malicious extensions through social engineering or compromised websites. The attack requires user interaction to install the malicious extension, but once installed, the extension can access files that should normally be restricted. This represents a bypass of Chrome's security model that separates extension permissions from file system access, effectively allowing unauthorized file operations through the compromised extension. The medium severity classification reflects the fact that while user interaction is required, the potential impact includes unauthorized data access and possible system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and demonstrates how insufficient validation of untrusted data can lead to security bypasses. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1176 for "Browser Extensions") and potentially T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" if the malicious extension can execute code. The attack chain typically involves initial compromise through a malicious website, user installation of the extension, and subsequent unauthorized file access. Organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome version 113.0.5672.63 or later, as this release includes the necessary patches to address the input validation gaps. Additionally, security teams should monitor for suspicious extension installations and implement browser hardening measures that restrict extension installation from untrusted sources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser versions and implementing comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently installing malicious extensions through deceptive web pages.