CVE-2023-5477 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Inappropriate implementation in Installer in Google Chrome prior to 118.0.5993.70 allowed a local attacker to bypass discretionary access control via a crafted command. (Chromium security severity: Low)
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5477 represents a weakness in Google Chrome's installer component that could potentially be exploited by local attackers to circumvent discretionary access control mechanisms. This issue exists within the installer functionality of Chrome versions prior to 118.0.5993.70 and is categorized as a low severity vulnerability by Chromium security standards. The flaw specifically relates to how the installer handles command execution, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized system modifications through crafted command sequences. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper access control enforcement within the installation process, which could allow malicious actors with local system access to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where local privilege escalation attacks are a primary concern, as it provides an additional vector for attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of command inputs within the installer module. When the installer processes specific commands, it fails to properly enforce discretionary access control policies that should normally prevent unauthorized execution of system-level operations. This allows a local attacker who has access to the system to craft malicious command sequences that bypass normal access restrictions. The vulnerability specifically exploits the installer's handling of user-supplied input, where insufficient input validation permits command injection techniques that can manipulate the installation process to execute unintended operations. The attacker can leverage this weakness to perform actions that should normally be restricted to privileged users or system processes, effectively undermining the security model that separates user access levels from system-level operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5477, while classified as low severity, presents significant risks in environments where local system access is not properly controlled or where users have elevated privileges. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources during the installation process. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, which means it cannot be leveraged remotely, but it does represent a serious concern for organizations where local access controls are insufficient or where users have unnecessary elevated privileges. The impact is particularly relevant in enterprise environments where users may have administrative rights or where privilege separation is not properly enforced, as these scenarios could provide attackers with the necessary conditions to exploit this weakness effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5477 should prioritize updating to Chrome version 118.0.5993.70 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the installer implementation flaw. Organizations should also implement strict access control policies to limit local system access and ensure that users have the minimum necessary privileges for their operational requirements. System administrators should conduct regular security assessments to identify potential local privilege escalation vectors and ensure that all system components are updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and represents a specific instance of how inadequate input validation can lead to privilege escalation through installer components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation techniques where attackers leverage installer weaknesses to bypass normal access controls, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique. Regular monitoring and patch management processes should be enhanced to ensure prompt deployment of security updates, particularly for critical system components like installers that handle privileged operations.