CVE-2024-3846: Inappropriate Implementation in Prompts Compromising User Interface Security in Google Chrome Versions Prior to 124..6367.60

In recent years, web browsers have become an essential tool in our day-to-day lives. Almost every activity we perform today, from banking to shopping and communication, is facilitated through these browsers. Among them, Google Chrome is a major player, with billions of users worldwide. However, as the popular saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." The developers behind Chrome need to ensure that the browser offers robust security features to keep its users safe.

This long-read post will dissect CVE-2024-3846, a security vulnerability found in Google Chrome's implementation of prompts in versions prior to 124..6367.60. We will explore the implications of this vulnerability, its technical details, and the steps to mitigate its potential impact.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-3846, is related to an inappropriate implementation of prompts in Google Chrome. It allows a remote attacker to perform User Interface (UI) spoofing on the victim's browser. In simpler terms, UI spoofing is when a malicious actor manipulates the interface of a program, making it look like a legitimate website or application.

By crafting a malicious HTML page and persuading the user to engage in specific UI gestures, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability to display misleading information. However, Chromium (the open-source project behind Google Chrome) lists the severity of this vulnerability as "Low."

Original References

The Chromium Project's bug tracking system highlights this vulnerability in this thread: Chromium Issue 1241062. Additionally, you can find more details about the vulnerability in the National Vulnerability Database entry for CVE-2024-3846: NIST CVE-2024-3846.

Code Snippet

To understand the inappropriate implementation within Google Chrome, consider the following HTML code snippet:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Malicious Page</title>
    <style>
        .spoofed-prompt {
            /* Additional styles to make it look like a Chrome prompt */
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <button onclick="showPrompt();">Click me</button>
    <div class="spoofed-prompt" id="spoofedPrompt" style="display:none;">
        I am a fake Chrome prompt.
    </div>
    <script>
        function showPrompt() {
            // Trigger Chrome's implementation bug
            // Display the fake Chrome prompt
            document.getElementById("spoofedPrompt").style.display = "block";
        }
    </script>
</body>
</html>

In the code above, a button labeled "Click me" appears on the malicious web page. Upon clicking, it triggers Chrome's implementation bug and displays a fake Chrome prompt with misleading information. Although this is a simple example, more sophisticated attacks may create trustworthy-looking UIs.

Mitigation Steps

To protect yourself from this vulnerability, you should ensure that you have updated your Google Chrome to the latest version. Google has fixed this issue in version 124..6367.60, so users running an older version are at risk.

Check your current Google Chrome version by typing chrome://version in the address bar and pressing Enter. If you're running a version older than 124..6367.60, follow these steps to update your browser:

Hover over "Help" and click on "About Google Chrome."

4. The browser will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, you will have the option to install it.

Conclusion

Although the severity of CVE-2024-3846 is considered low, it is crucial to be aware of such vulnerabilities as they can open doors to more sophisticated attacks, such as phishing campaigns or malware distribution. By keeping your browser up-to-date and staying informed about potential security risks, you can help safeguard your online experience.

Timeline

Published on: 04/17/2024 08:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 07/03/2024 02:06:43 UTC