CVE-2017-5008 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2017-5008 affecting Google Chrome prior to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Google Chrome prior to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android had a vulnerability in the Blink engine that allowed remote attackers to execute malicious scripts or HTML, potentially leading to user-experience based cross-site scripting (UXSS) attacks.
Understanding CVE-2017-5008
In earlier versions of Google Chrome, a specific vulnerability in the Blink engine allowed attackers to inject and execute their own JavaScript code during the invocation of a private script method.
What is CVE-2017-5008?
This CVE refers to a security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android. The vulnerability enabled attackers to run their JavaScript code while a private script method was being invoked, potentially leading to the injection of malicious scripts or HTML.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5008
The vulnerability in Google Chrome could be exploited by remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary scripts or HTML, opening the door to user-experience based cross-site scripting (UXSS) attacks.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5008
Google Chrome prior to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android was affected by the following:
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Blink engine allowed attacker-controlled JavaScript to run during the invocation of a private script method, enabling the injection of arbitrary scripts or HTML via a crafted HTML page.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Google Chrome prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Google Chrome 56.0.2924.87 for Android
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts or HTML into a specially crafted HTML page, potentially leading to UXSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-5008, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android
- Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update your web browser to the latest version
- Enable automatic updates for better security
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities