CVE-2023-5481 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Inappropriate implementation in Downloads in Google Chrome prior to 118.0.5993.70 allowed a remote attacker to spoof security UI via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5481 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's download handling mechanism that undermines the browser's security user interface. This issue stems from an inadequate implementation of security warnings during file downloads, specifically affecting Chrome versions prior to 118.0.5993.70. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the browser's security prompts through carefully crafted HTML content, potentially deceiving users into accepting malicious downloads without proper security warnings. The Chromium security severity rating of Medium indicates the potential for significant impact given the nature of user interface manipulation in security contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTML elements that control download prompts and security warnings. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that present spoofed security UI elements, making it appear as though legitimate downloads are occurring while actually triggering potentially harmful file transfers. This flaw resides in the browser's handling of download security indicators and UI rendering, where the system fails to properly validate or authenticate the source of security warnings. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's ability to distinguish between legitimate security prompts and those generated by malicious actors, creating a pathway for social engineering attacks that bypass standard browser protections.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5481 extends beyond simple phishing attempts, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors where users may unknowingly download malware or malicious files. When users encounter what appears to be a legitimate security warning or download prompt, they may proceed with actions that compromise their systems. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Chrome's security UI for protection against malicious downloads, as the spoofed warnings can appear identical to genuine security alerts. The attack scenario typically involves the delivery of malicious HTML content through compromised websites, email attachments, or drive-by download scenarios where users are tricked into executing harmful code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate browser updates to versions 118.0.5993.70 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the flawed security UI implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider deploying automated update mechanisms to ensure all users have protection against this vulnerability. Security administrators should also conduct user awareness training to help identify suspicious download prompts and reinforce the importance of verifying download sources. Additionally, network security measures such as web filtering and content inspection can provide additional layers of protection while users are updated to patched versions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and falls under ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) through potential exploitation pathways that could lead to command execution via malicious downloads.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of maintaining robust security UI implementations in modern browsers. User interface spoofing attacks represent a significant threat vector because they exploit human trust in familiar security warnings, making them particularly effective in social engineering campaigns. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, sandboxed browsing environments, and enhanced monitoring of download activities to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for continuous security testing of browser components, particularly those involved in user interaction and security warnings, as these elements form the primary defense line between users and malicious content.