CVE-2022-0337: Google Chrome Information Disclosure Bug

CVE-2022-0337 Overview

CVE-2022-0337 is an inappropriate implementation vulnerability in the File System API in Google Chrome on Windows prior to version 97.0.4692.71. This security flaw allows a remote attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information via a crafted HTML page. The vulnerability specifically affects how Chrome handles file system operations on Windows systems, creating a pathway for information disclosure attacks.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can extract potentially sensitive information from Windows systems through specially crafted web pages that exploit the File System API implementation flaw.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 97.0.4692.71 on Windows
• Microsoft Windows systems running vulnerable Chrome versions
• Any Windows-based environment using affected Chrome browser versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-01-02 - CVE-2022-0337 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-0337

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation in Chrome's File System API when running on Windows operating systems. The File System API provides web applications with the ability to interact with files on the user's local device, but improper implementation can lead to unintended information exposure. In this case, the flaw allows malicious web pages to extract sensitive information that should not be accessible through normal browser operations.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-668 (Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere), indicating that resources are being exposed to actors outside of their intended control sphere. This type of vulnerability can allow attackers to gain access to sensitive data that the browser should protect.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2022-0337 lies in the inappropriate implementation of the File System API within Chrome's Windows-specific code paths. The File System API is designed to provide controlled access to local file systems, but the implementation failed to properly restrict information that could be obtained through crafted requests. This implementation oversight allowed attackers to leverage the API in ways that exposed sensitive information beyond the intended scope of the API's functionality.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must convince a victim to visit a maliciously crafted HTML page. Once the victim navigates to the attacker-controlled page, the exploit code can leverage the File System API flaw to extract sensitive information from the victim's Windows system.

The attack requires no special privileges on the target system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed against any user with a vulnerable Chrome installation. The crafted HTML page can be delivered through various means including:

• Phishing emails containing malicious links
• Compromised legitimate websites
• Malicious advertisements (malvertising)
• Social engineering attacks directing users to attacker-controlled domains

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-0337

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual File System API calls from browser processes
• Unexpected network requests to unknown domains following local file system operations
• Browser attempting to access sensitive file paths without explicit user authorization
• Anomalous JavaScript execution patterns involving the File System API

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Chrome browser version across enterprise environments and flag systems running versions prior to 97.0.4692.71
• Implement web content filtering to detect and block pages with suspicious File System API usage patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify malicious HTML pages exploiting this vulnerability
• Use browser telemetry to track anomalous File System API interactions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable Chrome's built-in security logging and forward logs to SIEM systems
• Monitor for unusual file access patterns originating from browser processes
• Track JavaScript execution logs for suspicious File System API method calls
• Implement alerting on access attempts to sensitive Windows directories from Chrome processes

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-0337

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 97.0.4692.71 or later immediately
• Implement enterprise browser policies to enforce automatic Chrome updates
• Block access to known malicious domains hosting exploit attempts
• Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 97.0.4692.71 released in January 2022. Organizations should ensure all Chrome installations are updated to this version or later. For detailed information about the security update, refer to the Google Chrome Desktop Update announcement. Additional technical details can be found in the Chromium Bug Report #1247389.

Workarounds

• Disable the File System API in Chrome via enterprise policies if updating is not immediately feasible
• Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on organizational web properties
• Use network-level filtering to block potentially malicious web content
• Consider using alternative browsers temporarily until Chrome can be updated

# Configuration example - Chrome enterprise policy to restrict File System API
# Add to Chrome Group Policy or managed preferences
{
  "FileSystemReadAskForUrls": [],
  "FileSystemWriteAskForUrls": [],
  "DefaultFileSystemReadGuardSetting": 2,
  "DefaultFileSystemWriteGuardSetting": 2
}