CVE-2024-4950 Overview
CVE-2024-4950 is a UI spoofing vulnerability caused by an inappropriate implementation in the Downloads component of Google Chrome. This flaw allows a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing attacks by convincing a user to engage in specific UI gestures while interacting with a crafted HTML page. The vulnerability exists in Google Chrome versions prior to 125.0.6422.60 and has been classified as low severity by the Chromium security team.
Critical Impact
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create deceptive user interface elements that could mislead users into performing unintended actions or divulging sensitive information through carefully crafted malicious web pages.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 125.0.6422.60
- Fedora 38 with vulnerable Chrome packages
- Fedora 39 with vulnerable Chrome packages
- Fedora 40 with vulnerable Chrome packages
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-15 - CVE-2024-4950 published to NVD
- 2025-03-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-4950
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under two CWE classifications: CWE-1021 (Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames) and CWE-451 (User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information). The inappropriate implementation in Chrome's Downloads functionality fails to properly validate or restrict how download-related UI elements can be rendered and presented to users.
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network and requires user interaction, specifically requiring the victim to perform certain UI gestures on a malicious webpage. While no privileges are required to exploit this flaw, the attack's success depends entirely on social engineering the user into interacting with the crafted page in a specific manner.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from an improper implementation in how Google Chrome's Downloads component handles the rendering and display of UI elements. This allows attackers to create HTML pages that can manipulate or spoof the appearance of download-related interface components, potentially misleading users about the nature or source of downloads.
The vulnerability exists because the browser does not adequately enforce restrictions on how rendered UI layers can be presented to users during the download process, enabling UI misrepresentation attacks.
Attack Vector
The attack vector requires a remote attacker to host a malicious HTML page designed to exploit the inappropriate implementation in Chrome's Downloads feature. The attacker must then convince a victim to visit this page and perform specific UI gestures (such as clicking or dragging in particular areas).
When successful, the attacker can spoof UI elements to make malicious downloads appear legitimate, potentially tricking users into downloading and executing malware, or deceiving them about the true nature of files being downloaded. The attack leverages the user's trust in the browser's interface to create a convincing deception.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-4950
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual download activity originating from untrusted or newly registered domains
- Browser behavior indicating unexpected UI rendering during download interactions
- Reports from users about suspicious download prompts or unusual download UI behavior
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for visits to known malicious URLs that have been associated with UI spoofing attacks
- Implement browser version checking to identify systems running vulnerable Chrome versions (prior to 125.0.6422.60)
- Deploy endpoint detection tools that can identify anomalous browser behavior patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable browser telemetry to track download-related events and UI interactions
- Monitor for unusual patterns in download activity across the organization
- Implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious sites
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-4950
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 125.0.6422.60 or later immediately
- Review and update Fedora systems running affected Chrome packages
- Educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious download prompts on untrusted websites
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 125.0.6422.60 released in May 2024. The fix corrects the inappropriate implementation in the Downloads component that allowed UI spoofing. Details about the patch are available in the Chrome Desktop Update Announcement and the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
For Fedora users, updated packages have been released for Fedora 38, 39, and 40. These updates can be obtained through the standard Fedora package management system as detailed in the Fedora Package Announcements.
Workarounds
- Exercise caution when interacting with download prompts on untrusted websites
- Avoid performing UI gestures (clicks, drags) on suspicious web pages that display unexpected download behavior
- Use browser security extensions that can help detect and block potential UI spoofing attempts
- Consider enabling Chrome's Enhanced Safe Browsing feature for additional protection against malicious sites
# Verify Chrome version on Linux systems
google-chrome --version
# Update Chrome on Fedora
sudo dnf update chromium
# Check for available Chrome updates
sudo dnf check-update chromium
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
