CVE-2023-5857 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2023
Inappropriate implementation in Downloads in Google Chrome prior to 119.0.6045.105 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code via a malicious file. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5857 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's download handling mechanism that existed prior to version 119.0.6045.105. This issue falls under the category of improper implementation within the browser's download subsystem, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability's classification as medium severity by Chromium security standards indicates a significant risk to user systems, particularly given the broad attack surface associated with download functionality in web browsers. The flaw specifically relates to how Chrome processes and handles potentially malicious files during the download process, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of file attributes during the download initiation and processing phases. Attackers can craft malicious files that exploit this weakness by manipulating download headers, file extensions, or metadata in ways that bypass Chrome's security controls. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including file system access controls, browser sandboxing mechanisms, and web content security policies. The exploitation typically involves delivering a malicious file through web-based attack vectors such as compromised websites, phishing campaigns, or malicious advertisements. When users initiate downloads of these crafted files, the vulnerable Chrome implementation fails to properly validate the file characteristics, allowing attackers to potentially execute code on the target system with the privileges of the browser process.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5857 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise scenarios. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently download files from the internet, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise environments. Organizations running older versions of Chrome are especially vulnerable as they lack the security patches that address this specific implementation flaw. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users do not regularly update their browsers, leaving them exposed to this and similar vulnerabilities. This issue demonstrates the critical importance of timely patch management and the potential for seemingly minor implementation flaws to create substantial security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5857 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 119.0.6045.105 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the download handling vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as safe browsing, sandboxing, and automatic updates to minimize exposure time. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense layers by monitoring and blocking suspicious download activities. Users should be educated about the risks of downloading files from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying file integrity before execution. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual download patterns or attempts to execute files from unexpected locations, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to execution through legitimate system processes and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security frameworks that address these threat patterns. This case exemplifies how CWE categories such as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements) can manifest in browser security contexts, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and sanitization throughout application components.