CVE-2023-4764 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
Incorrect security UI in BFCache in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.179 allowed a remote attacker to spoof the contents of the Omnibox (URL bar) via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4764 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's handling of the Back-Forward Cache (BFCache) mechanism, specifically affecting versions prior to 116.0.5845.179. This issue resides within the browser's user interface security model and demonstrates a significant weakness in how Chrome manages cached page states during navigation operations. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that exploits the browser's caching behavior to manipulate the visual representation of web addresses displayed in the Omnibox, which serves as the primary security indicator for users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of security UI elements when pages are restored from BFCache. When a user navigates away from a page and then returns using back navigation, Chrome may restore the page from its cache rather than reloading it from the network. During this process, the browser's security indicators fail to properly validate or refresh the Omnibox content, allowing a malicious actor to craft HTML content that can temporarily display misleading URL information. This flaw specifically affects the browser's ability to maintain consistent security state information, creating a window where attackers can manipulate user-perceived security contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception, representing a potential vector for phishing attacks and user manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to make users believe they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content. The vulnerability's classification as High severity by Chromium security team reflects its potential for abuse in real-world scenarios where users might be tricked into entering sensitive information or performing actions based on false security indicators. The attack requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page, making it particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session management and improper handling of cached security state information. The flaw also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, involving social engineering through deceptive web content. The security implications extend to user trust in browser security indicators and highlight the critical importance of maintaining consistent security UI states across all browsing operations. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader browser security management strategies, particularly in environments where users may be exposed to malicious web content or where phishing attacks are a concern.
The mitigation strategy involves updating to Chrome version 116.0.5845.179 or later, which implements proper security UI validation during BFCache restoration operations. Additionally, browser administrators should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other components of the browser's security architecture and consider implementing additional security measures such as enhanced user education about security indicators and monitoring for suspicious web content. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that security UI elements are properly validated and refreshed when pages are restored from BFCache, preventing the spoofing of Omnibox content during navigation operations.