CVE-2024-11117: Google Chrome Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-11117 Overview

CVE-2024-11117 is a security vulnerability in Google Chrome's FileSystem implementation that allows remote attackers to bypass filesystem restrictions through specially crafted HTML pages. This inappropriate implementation flaw exists in versions of Google Chrome prior to 131.0.6778.69 and represents a security boundary bypass that could allow attackers to circumvent intended filesystem access controls within the browser environment.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass filesystem restrictions via malicious HTML content, potentially enabling unauthorized access to filesystem resources that should be protected by Chrome's security model.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 131.0.6778.69

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-12 - CVE CVE-2024-11117 published to NVD
• 2025-01-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-11117

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation within Chrome's FileSystem API. The FileSystem API provides web applications with access to a sandboxed section of the user's local file system, and proper implementation is critical for maintaining browser security boundaries. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious HTML pages that can bypass the intended filesystem restrictions, potentially enabling unauthorized operations on protected filesystem resources.

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network but requires user interaction—specifically, a user must navigate to or be redirected to a malicious HTML page containing the exploit code. The attack primarily impacts integrity, allowing unauthorized modifications or access bypasses without affecting confidentiality or availability.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in an inappropriate implementation within the FileSystem component of Chromium. This implementation flaw creates a condition where the security restrictions designed to prevent unauthorized filesystem access can be circumvented. The Chromium security team has classified this as a low-severity issue in their internal assessment, though NVD has rated it as medium severity based on its potential for integrity impact through network-based exploitation.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2024-11117 is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker would need to:

1. Create a malicious HTML page containing crafted content designed to exploit the FileSystem implementation flaw
2. Lure a victim to visit the malicious page through phishing, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements
3. Upon page load, the crafted content triggers the bypass of filesystem restrictions
4. The attacker gains the ability to perform unauthorized filesystem operations within the context of the browser's security model

The vulnerability does not require any special privileges to exploit and has low attack complexity. For detailed technical information, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11117

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual FileSystem API calls from untrusted web origins or unexpected domains
• Browser activity logs showing filesystem access patterns inconsistent with normal user behavior
• Detection of HTML content attempting to manipulate or probe FileSystem API boundaries

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for Chrome browser versions older than 131.0.6778.69 across the enterprise environment
• Implement network-based detection for suspicious HTML content patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts
• Review browser console logs and developer tools for abnormal FileSystem API error messages or access patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify malicious web page interactions with local filesystem resources

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for browser activity on endpoints to capture FileSystem API interactions
• Configure web proxies to log and inspect HTML content for known exploitation patterns
• Establish baseline filesystem access patterns and alert on deviations that may indicate exploitation
• Monitor for user reports of unexpected browser behavior when visiting unfamiliar websites

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11117

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all Google Chrome installations to version 131.0.6778.69 or later immediately
• Deploy enterprise browser management policies to enforce automatic Chrome updates
• Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking unknown links
• Consider restricting browser permissions for FileSystem API access in high-security environments

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 131.0.6778.69, released on November 12, 2024. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome across all endpoints. The update can be obtained through Chrome's automatic update mechanism or by downloading the latest version from the official Google Chrome website. For enterprise deployments, administrators should push the update through their endpoint management systems.

For detailed information about this security update, see the Google Chrome Desktop Update.

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not possible, consider using alternative browsers temporarily for sensitive operations
• Implement strict web filtering to block access to known malicious domains
• Disable or restrict the FileSystem API through Chrome enterprise policies where feasible
• Deploy content security policies on internal web applications to limit exposure

# Chrome Enterprise Policy Configuration
# Restrict FileSystem API access (adjust based on organizational needs)
# Configure via Group Policy, Chrome Enterprise management, or registry

# Windows Registry example to force Chrome updates
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update" /v "AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes" /t REG_DWORD /d 60 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update" /v "UpdateDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f