CVE-2024-4950 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2024
Inappropriate implementation in Downloads in Google Chrome prior to 125.0.6422.60 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI gestures to perform UI spoofing via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
This vulnerability resides in the downloads functionality of google chrome browsers prior to version 125.0.6422.60 and represents a ui spoofing attack vector that exploits improper implementation of download handling mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate user interface elements through crafted html pages, potentially deceiving users into performing unintended actions during download operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between browser ui elements and user gesture recognition systems, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit trust relationships between users and browser interfaces.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation and handling of ui elements during download processes, where the browser fails to properly distinguish between legitimate and malicious ui modifications. This weakness enables attackers to craft html pages that manipulate download dialogs or related ui components in ways that could mislead users about the actual download destination or operation being performed. The vulnerability operates through specific ui gesture sequences that, when triggered by user interaction, cause the browser to display misleading interface elements that appear to be legitimate download prompts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a low severity threat but still requires attention due to its potential for social engineering exploitation. Attackers could leverage this flaw to create convincing fake download prompts that appear genuine to users, potentially leading to unauthorized downloads or user confusion about download destinations. The attack requires user interaction through specific ui gestures, making it less automated but still potentially effective in targeted campaigns where attackers can guide users through the required actions.
The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as cwe-693 which covers protection mechanism failures, and relates to attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework under ui spoofing and deception methods. Organizations should prioritize updating chrome browsers to version 125.0.6422.60 or later to address this implementation gap. Additionally, security awareness training for users about suspicious download prompts and verification of download destinations remains important. Browser vendors should implement enhanced ui validation mechanisms and proper separation between legitimate ui elements and those that could be manipulated by malicious content. The fix typically involves strengthening the download dialog handling code to prevent external html content from altering ui behavior during download operations, ensuring that user interactions are properly validated against known legitimate patterns.