CVE-2023-2463 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2023
Inappropriate implementation in Full Screen Mode in Google Chrome on Android prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed a remote attacker to hide the contents of the Omnibox (URL bar) via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
This vulnerability resides in the full screen mode implementation of google chrome on android platforms and represents a significant user interface deception flaw that could enable remote attackers to manipulate the browser's visual presentation. The issue specifically affects versions prior to 113.0.5672.63 and allows malicious actors to craft html pages that can obscure the omnibox contents during full screen operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of html content when transitioning browsers into full screen mode, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the display behavior of the url bar.
The technical flaw manifests when chrome renders web content in full screen mode and fails to properly maintain the visibility of the omnibox, which contains critical url information that users rely upon for security verification. This represents a direct violation of user interface security principles where the browser's ability to display essential security indicators becomes compromised. The vulnerability operates through crafted html pages that exploit the browser's rendering engine to hide or obscure the url bar, potentially enabling phishing attacks or other malicious activities that depend on users being unable to verify the true destination of their navigation.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability creates a medium severity risk that could significantly impact user security awareness and trust in the browser's navigation interface. Users navigating to malicious sites could be misled into believing they are visiting legitimate domains when in fact they are being directed to attacker-controlled content. The attack vector requires remote code execution through web content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted web pages. This flaw directly impacts the browser's ability to provide users with clear visual indicators of their current location, undermining fundamental security mechanisms that protect against phishing and domain spoofing attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks including cwe-691 which addresses insufficient control flow protection and att&ck technique t1566 which covers credential access through phishing. The issue demonstrates how user interface manipulation can create security risks that extend beyond traditional code execution flaws. Organizations should prioritize updating chrome to version 113.0.5672.63 or later to mitigate this risk, while security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process involves ensuring proper display management during full screen transitions and maintaining consistent visibility of security indicators regardless of browser mode. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor interface design flaws can create significant security implications in modern web browsers.