CVE-2024-8907: Insufficient Data Validation in Omnibox in Google Chrome on Android Exposing Users to XSS Attacks

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers available today, providing ease of use and seamless web browsing experience across multiple devices. However, any popular software can have vulnerabilities in its system, and Google Chrome is no exception. In this article, we will discuss a recent vulnerability, discovered and identified as CVE-2024-8907, found in Google Chrome on Android devices that exposes users to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

CVE-2024-8907 - Vulnerability Overview

The vulnerability, CVE-2024-8907, affects the Omnibox component in Google Chrome on Android. Omnibox is the address bar combined with the search bar in Google Chrome. The vulnerability was found in versions prior to 129..6668.58, which allowed remote attackers to inject arbitrary scripts or HTML (XSS) via a crafted set of UI gestures. Chromium, the open-source project underpinning Google Chrome, classifies the security severity of this vulnerability as "Medium."

Exploitation Details

In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must convince a user to engage in specific UI gestures. These gestures, if performed, enable the attacker to circumvent data validation mechanisms and inject malicious scripts or HTML content into the browser. This could enable the attacker to manipulate or intercept user data or compromise their security.

Demonstrating a proof-of-concept exploit may look something like this

// Malicious script crafted by the attacker:
var maliciousScript = "<script>alert('Your browser is vulnerable to XSS!');</script>";

// Assume user is convinced to perform the specific UI gestures:
userPerformsUIGestures();

// User's interaction leads to the injection of malicious code into Omnibox:
var omnibox = document.getElementById("omnibox");
omnibox.innerHTML += maliciousScript;

The code snippet above shows a simple example where an attacker crafts a malicious script that causes a browser alert pop-up. The attacker convinces the user to perform certain UI gestures, leading to the injection of the malicious script into the Omnibox.

Original References and Links

For more technical details regarding this vulnerability, you can refer to the related resources provided by Chromium and other trusted sources:

1. Chromium Bug Tracker - Issue 1332229
2. Chromium Security Advisory - CVE-2024-8907
3. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - CVE-2024-8907

In order to protect yourself from this vulnerability, you should do the following

1. Update your Google Chrome Browser on Android to version 129..6668.58 or newer. This update includes fixes for the security issue, ensuring that your browser is protected.
2. Be cautious of suspicious links, websites, and interact with trusted sources only. Do not perform any actions if you have concerns about the legitimacy of a website or its instructions.
3. Regularly check for security updates and follow the recommendations provided by the software developers to protect yourself from potential threats.

Conclusion

While software vulnerabilities can be a cause for concern, keeping your systems up to date and following recommended security practices can protect you from potential exploitation. In the case of CVE-2024-8907, updating your Google Chrome on Android to the latest version and being cautious about user interactions with suspicious sources can help mitigate the risk of exposure to XSS attacks. Stay safe and secure online!

Timeline

Published on: 09/17/2024 21:15:13 UTC
Last modified on: 09/23/2024 18:23:57 UTC