Browser security has become a hot topic in recent years due to the dramatic increase in cyber-attacks, phishing attempts, and various web-based exploits. Among these, a vulnerability reported under the identifier CVE-2023-5858 stands out as it affects the popular Google Chrome browser. In this long-read post, we will take a closer look at this vulnerability, examining its root cause, impact, exploit, and potential mitigation strategies.

The basics

CVE-2023-5858's vulnerability is tied to an inappropriate implementation in WebApp Provider in Google Chrome. It specifically targets versions of Chrome built prior to 119..6045.105. In a nutshell, this vulnerability allowed a remote attacker to obfuscate security UI by using a crafted HTML page. As per the Chromium security severity scale, this vulnerability is rated as low risk.

The vulnerability

The inappropriate implementation in WebApp Provider in Google Chrome results from improper handling of specific HTML elements in the browser. Due to this oversight, it's possible for an attacker to craft a specially designed HTML page that, when loaded in an unsuspecting user's browser, can trigger the exploit and obfuscate the browser's security user interface. This, in turn, could lead to a user being misled to believe a page is secure when in reality it is not.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Malicious Example</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <script>
      // Crafted JS code to obfuscate the security UI
      function exploit() {
        // Exploit details may vary
      }
      window.onload = () => {
        exploit();
      };
    </script>
    <!-- Include regular content to disguise the exploit -->
  </body>
</html>

In this example, the exploit() function represents the specific JavaScript code that would trigger the inappropriate implementation.

Original references

The CVE-2023-5858 vulnerability was first documented on the Chromium blog, where you can find more information, including the initial report and the steps taken to address the issue. The official CVE entry can also be found on the CVE website.

- Chromium blog: https://bugs.chromium.org/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=XXXXXX (Replace 'XXXXXX' with the corresponding issue number)
- CVE website: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-5858

Exploit details

While the exploit details may vary depending on the attacker's skill level and specific goals, the primary purpose of this vulnerability relies on obfuscating the browser's security UI. Remote attackers could mask a page's true security status, potentially tricking users into believing they are visiting a safe and secure webpage. Consequently, users might unknowingly enter sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details.

Mitigation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users should update their Google Chrome browser to the latest version, which includes a patch addressing this issue. Chromium, the open-source project behind Chrome, has released the version 119..6045.105, which contains necessary security enhancements to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Final thoughts

CVE-2023-5858 is a low-severity vulnerability that highlights the importance of keeping web browsers updated and maintaining robust security practices. Although the risk associated with this particular vulnerability is relatively low, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape.

Timeline

Published on: 11/01/2023 18:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 11/14/2023 03:15:12 UTC