NAVER Whale browser: Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs
CVE-2022-24073 is a high-severity incorrect use of privileged apis vulnerability in NAVER Whale browser from NAVER, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 3.12.129.46 as the first without the flaw, so updating NAVER Whale browser to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.58% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update NAVER Whale browser to 3.12.129.46 or a later version.
- Update Whale to 3.12.129.18 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on cve.naver.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAVER | NAVER Whale browser | before 3.12.129.46 | 3.12.129.46 |
| Navercorp | Whale | before 3.12.129.18 | 3.12.129.18 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.8 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
The Web Request API in Whale browser before 3.12.129.18 allowed to deny access to the extension store or redirect to any URL when users access the store.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs
The product does not conform to the API requirements for a function call that requires extra privileges. This could allow attackers to gain privileges by causing the function to be called incorrectly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Before calling privileged APIs, always ensure that the assumptions made by the privileged code hold true prior to making the call.
- Know architecture and implementation weaknesses of the privileged APIs and make sure to account for these weaknesses before calling the privileged APIs to ensure that they can be called safely.
- If privileged APIs make certain assumptions about data, context or state validity that are passed by the caller, the calling code must ensure that these assumptions have been validated prior to making the call.
More Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs vulnerabilities (CWE-648)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in NAVER Whale browser
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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