CVE-2018-6179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 68.0.3440.75 allowed malicious actors to access local files through a specially crafted Chrome Extension.

Understanding CVE-2018-6179

This CVE entry describes a security flaw in Google Chrome that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to files on a user's local file system.

What is CVE-2018-6179?

Prior to version 68.0.3440.75, Google Chrome did not properly enforce file access permissions in the activeTab case within Extensions, enabling attackers to exploit this vulnerability through a malicious Chrome Extension.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6179

The vulnerability allowed a malicious individual to access files stored locally on the file system by leveraging a specially crafted Chrome Extension.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6179

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stemmed from insufficient enforcement of file access permissions in the activeTab case within Extensions in Google Chrome versions prior to 68.0.3440.75.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: < 68.0.3440.75

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to install a malicious extension, granting access to files on the local file system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-6179 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 68.0.3440.75 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid installing extensions from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Chrome and all installed extensions to the latest versions.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with installing unverified extensions.

Patching and Updates

Google released a patch in version 68.0.3440.75 to address this vulnerability.