CVE-2018-6139 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Google Chrome prior to version 67.0.3396.62 had a vulnerability in the chrome.debugger API in DevTools that allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into installing a malicious extension.

Understanding CVE-2018-6139

This CVE entry describes a security flaw in Google Chrome that could be exploited by attackers to run malicious code on a victim's system.

What is CVE-2018-6139?

Prior to version 67.0.3396.62 of Google Chrome, there were inadequate target checks on the chrome.debugger API in DevTools. This vulnerability enabled attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into installing a malicious extension.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6139

The vulnerability allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim's system by exploiting the inadequate target checks in the chrome.debugger API.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6139

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Insufficient target checks on the chrome.debugger API in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to version 67.0.3396.62 allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Chrome Extension.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: < 67.0.3396.62

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to install a malicious extension, which would then allow them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2018-6139, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 67.0.3396.62 or higher.
Avoid installing extensions from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions.
Educate users about the risks of installing unverified extensions.

Patching and Updates

Google released a patch in version 67.0.3396.62 to address this vulnerability.