I wanted to wait a bit, but since the fix is out:
During unrelated research, I came across a number of security issues that reside in various parts of Google's web browser - Google Chrome.
These issues pose a major threat to any user that browses a maliciously crafted page using Internet Explorer and has Google Chrome installed alongside.
Using a vulnerability in the ChromeHTML URL handler, it is possible to force Google Chrome load arbitrary URIs when it is launched through IE. Combined with other issues, this seemingly harmless vulnerability opens the door to two major attack vectors:
- Bypass the Same Origin Policy restrictions for any site (this has the same impact as Universal XSS)
- Enumerate victim's local files and directories
A thorough explanation of the issues, attack vectors and impact can be found in the following advisory.
It is important to note that the way Internet Explorer processes URL
protocol handlers is a known Achilles' heel and has been widely used
previously to attack other various applications.
Proof Of Concept:
A Universal XSS PoC is available here (Open with Internet Explorer)
File Enumeration PoC is available here (Open with Internet Explore)
Fix:
Version 1.0.154.59 of Chrome has been released to fix the vulnerability.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank the Google Chrome team for their quick response and the highly professional way in which they had handled this security issue.
