CVE-2024-8035 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2024
Inappropriate implementation in Extensions in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 128.0.6613.84 allowed a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8035 represents a UI spoofing flaw within the extensions subsystem of Google Chrome on Windows platforms. This issue affects versions prior to 128.0.6613.84 and stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows remote attackers to manipulate the browser interface through maliciously crafted HTML content. The flaw exists within the extension handling mechanisms that govern how Chrome renders extension interfaces and user interactions, creating a potential vector for deceptive user experiences that could mislead users about the actual state or origin of browser elements.
The technical implementation defect manifests when Chrome processes extension-related HTML content, specifically in how the browser handles rendering and user interface elements associated with browser extensions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting HTML pages that manipulate the visual presentation of extension interfaces, potentially causing users to believe they are interacting with legitimate browser components while actually engaging with maliciously constructed elements. This type of UI spoofing attack targets the fundamental trust users place in browser interface elements and can be particularly effective in phishing scenarios where attackers seek to mimic legitimate browser functionality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for Chrome users on Windows systems. The low severity classification does not diminish the potential for exploitation in targeted attacks where attackers might combine this UI spoofing capability with other techniques to create convincing deceptive interfaces. Users may be tricked into entering sensitive information or performing actions they would not normally undertake if they believed they were interacting with legitimate browser components. The vulnerability particularly affects users who have installed browser extensions, as the attack vector specifically targets extension interfaces and their rendering mechanisms.
The flaw aligns with CWE-602, which addresses client-side attacks via untrusted input, and demonstrates how improper handling of extension interfaces can create opportunities for user deception. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of multi-stage attack campaigns, where initial compromise might occur through other means, but the UI spoofing capability provides attackers with additional methods to maintain user engagement and extract sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under technique T1566 for social engineering and T1059 for execution through web-based interfaces, highlighting the intersection of user interface manipulation with broader attack methodologies.
Organizations and individual users should immediately update to Chrome version 128.0.6613.84 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. System administrators should implement browser update policies that prioritize security patches, particularly for widely used browsers like Chrome. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious browser behavior, educating users about recognizing potential UI spoofing attempts, and maintaining updated security tooling that can detect and block malicious HTML content. The vulnerability underscores the importance of continuous security monitoring and prompt patch management, as even low-severity issues can be exploited in sophisticated attack campaigns that target specific user populations or organizations.