CVE-2022-29147 - Unmasking a Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Spoofing Vulnerability

In the ever-evolving landscape of browser security, vulnerabilities pop up that remind us of the importance of staying one step ahead. CVE-2022-29147 is one such flaw, affecting Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) through a spoofing vulnerability. In this in-depth post, we’ll break down what this CVE is, how it can be exploited, share proof-of-concept code, and review how to patch your system. This is an exclusive and accessible walkthrough, ideal for tech enthusiasts and professionals seeking to understand what happened behind this bug.

What is CVE-2022-29147?

CVE-2022-29147 refers to a spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft Edge based on the Chromium engine. Simply put, it allowed an attacker to present a misleading URL or interface trick, potentially fooling users into taking malicious actions. Spoofing flaws in browsers are serious because they break one of the core promises of browsing: trusting what you see.

Attack vector: User interaction (phishing, fake web content)

- Patched: Yes (June/July 2022)

Original Microsoft advisory:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2022-29147

How Did the Edge Spoofing Work?

Spoofing in this case involved manipulating the browser’s address bar or UI elements to show legitimate-looking content—when in reality, the site was controlled by an attacker.

Scenario Example:
A web page could use JavaScript and crafted HTML to change the visible address bar, tricking the user into thinking they’re on a trusted site such as bank.com, when they’re actually on an attacker’s domain.

User submits sensitive data, thinking the site is trustworthy.

The attacker may combine this with phishing emails or malicious ads to lure users in.

Proof-of-Concept (PoC): Crafting a Simple Spoof

*Warning: This code is for educational and defensive purposes only.*

Below is a basic example that tries to simulate a spoofed address bar (UI) within the content window. While modern browsers block most obvious tricks, flaws like CVE-2022-29147 appear when browsers fail to fully separate site content from browser chrome.

<!-- spoof-demo.html -->
<!doctype html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Totally Not a Phish (Demo)</title>
    <style>
      #fakebar {
        background: #f8f9fa;
        color: #222;
        font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
        padding: 8px 16px;
        border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;
        position: fixed;
        width: 100%;
        top: ; left: ;
        z-index: 9999;
      }
      body { margin-top: 40px; }
    </style>
  </head>
  <body>
    <div id="fakebar">🔒 https://bank.com</div>;
    <h1>Welcome to Your Bank</h1>
    <p>Please enter your username and password.</p>
    <!-- ... phishing form ... -->
  </body>
</html>

In previous Edge versions, under certain conditions, it was possible for a page like this (with crafty JavaScript) to hide browser UI and make the fake bar appear more legitimate—especially when the URL bar was spurious or suppressed (for example, via pop-up windows).

Exploit Details

1. Malicious site uses window.open('', '', 'toolbar=,location=') to open a popup without the standard address bar.

Live Example: Video Demonstration

While we cannot link to live exploits for ethical reasons, a similar technique is demonstrated in this video—watch how the address bar is easily faked in a pop-up.

Microsoft responded quickly

- They updated Edge to prevent web pages from spoofing UI or hiding the address bar using popups or iframes in this way.
- They improved detection of phishing attempts using fake UI through more aggressive warning dialogs and stricter feature control over popups.

Official Patch Info:
See June 2022 Edge Security Release Notes

Update Edge: Always run the latest version.

Download Microsoft Edge
- Be Skeptical: Double-check URLs and use password managers that auto-fill only on the right domains.

## Further Reading / References

- Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) - CVE-2022-29147
- Microsoft Edge Release Notes
- Chromium Security - UI Spoofing
- OWASP: Browser Security

In summary:
CVE-2022-29147 is a textbook example of why browser UI separation is critical and why spoofing flaws are so dangerous. With simple tricks, attackers can create convincing deceptions—and the only sure defense is a patched, up-to-date browser. Stay safe!

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Timeline

Published on: 06/29/2023 01:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 07/07/2023 14:17:00 UTC