CVE-2024-5836 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 06/12/2024
Inappropriate Implementation in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 126.0.6478.54 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5836 represents a critical security flaw within Google Chrome's Developer Tools component that existed prior to version 126.0.6478.54. This issue falls under the category of inappropriate implementation, where the DevTools functionality failed to properly validate or sanitize extension installation processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the Chrome Extension ecosystem and creates a pathway for remote code execution when a user unknowingly installs a malicious extension. The flaw demonstrates a significant weakness in Chrome's extension security model, where the DevTools interface does not adequately enforce security boundaries during the extension installation and execution phases. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages user interaction through extension installation, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks that can bypass traditional security measures.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Chrome's DevTools environment that processes extension installations. When a user installs a malicious extension, the DevTools component fails to properly isolate or verify the extension's code integrity before execution. This allows attackers to craft specially designed Chrome Extensions that can exploit the DevTools interface to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level where the extension installation process lacks proper sandboxing or code verification steps that would normally prevent malicious code from running. The Chromium security severity classification as High indicates that this flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction beyond the initial extension installation, making it particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5836 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to potentially gain complete control over affected systems. Once a malicious extension is installed and executed through the DevTools interface, attackers can perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects all Chrome users who have not updated to version 126.0.6478.54 or later, creating a substantial attack surface across the Chrome user base. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-254 as a weakness in the security model of the extension system. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1176 which involves the use of malicious extensions to maintain persistence and execute commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5836 primarily focus on immediate system updates to the patched Chrome version 126.0.6478.54 or later, which resolves the DevTools implementation issue through enhanced extension validation and execution controls. Organizations should implement strict extension management policies that limit the installation of third-party extensions and regularly audit existing extensions for potential threats. Network administrators should consider deploying extension whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious extension installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from installing malicious extensions. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as the extension verification system and regularly reviewing browser extension permissions to ensure no unauthorized access has been granted. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious extension behavior and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts.