CVE-2023-5475 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Inappropriate implementation in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 118.0.5993.70 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass discretionary access control via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5475 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's DevTools implementation that undermines the browser's discretionary access control mechanisms. This issue existed in Chrome versions prior to 118.0.5993.70 and specifically targeted the way the browser handled privileged operations within its development tools interface. The vulnerability stems from an improper validation of extension permissions and access controls that allows malicious extensions to escalate their privileges beyond what was originally granted during installation. This flaw operates at the intersection of browser security architecture and extension management systems, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass fundamental security boundaries that should protect users from unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation flaw lies in how Chrome's DevTools component processes extension requests and manages access to sensitive browser functionalities. When a user installs a malicious extension, the vulnerability allows it to manipulate the DevTools interface in such a way that it can execute privileged operations without proper authorization checks. This bypass occurs through a crafted Chrome Extension that exploits the gap in access control validation within the DevTools environment, effectively allowing the extension to gain elevated privileges that should be restricted to legitimate browser components or authorized extensions. The issue is categorized as a Medium severity vulnerability by Chromium security standards, but its implications for user security are significant as it directly compromises the principle of least privilege that governs extension behavior in modern browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions. Attackers who successfully convince users to install malicious extensions can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user data, monitor browser activities, and potentially exfiltrate information without detection. The bypass of discretionary access control means that even if users have installed extensions with limited permissions, the malicious extension can circumvent these restrictions and gain broader access to browser functionality. This vulnerability particularly affects users who may be less security-conscious or who are targeted through social engineering campaigns that trick them into installing extensions from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5475 require immediate action from users and organizations to update Chrome to version 118.0.5993.70 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the DevTools access control implementation. Security administrators should implement strict extension management policies that limit the installation of browser extensions to trusted sources and regularly audit installed extensions for suspicious behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing layered security approaches that include monitoring for unauthorized extension installations and conducting regular security assessments of browser environments. Organizations should also consider implementing browser security tools that can detect and prevent suspicious extension activities, as well as educate users about the risks associated with installing extensions from unverified sources. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining robust access control mechanisms in browser environments and the potential consequences when these controls are bypassed through implementation flaws.