CVE-2017-5020 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-5020, a vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Google Chrome prior to version 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android, had a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
Understanding CVE-2017-5020
Versions of Google Chrome for various operating systems did not properly require user consent for download operations, leading to potential exploitation by malicious extensions.
What is CVE-2017-5020?
Google Chrome versions prior to 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android, lacked proper user consent enforcement for download operations, enabling remote attackers to run arbitrary code.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5020
The vulnerability allowed a remote attacker to exploit a user-installed malicious extension, executing arbitrary code by deceiving the user into visiting a specially crafted HTML page.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5020
Google Chrome's vulnerability can be further understood through technical details.
Vulnerability Description
The issue stemmed from the failure to require a user gesture for powerful download operations, facilitating the execution of arbitrary code by remote attackers.
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
The vulnerability could be exploited by tricking users into installing a malicious extension, subsequently allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through a specially crafted HTML page.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5020 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to versions 56.0.2924.76 for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and 56.0.2924.87 for Android
- Avoid installing extensions from untrusted sources
- Exercise caution when downloading files from the internet
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update browsers and extensions to the latest versions
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks of installing unknown extensions
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Google Chrome to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-5020.