CVE-2014-1701 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The GenerateFunction function in bindings/scripts/code_generator_v8.pm in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 33.0.1750.149, does not implement a certain cross-origin restriction for the EventTarget::dispatchEvent function, which allows remote attackers to conduct Universal XSS (UXSS) attacks via vectors involving events.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1701 represents a critical cross-origin restriction bypass in the Blink rendering engine's code generation mechanism. This flaw exists within the GenerateFunction function located in bindings/scripts/code_generator_v8.pm, which is responsible for generating JavaScript bindings for V8 engine operations. The vulnerability specifically affects Google Chrome versions prior to 33.0.1750.149, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit Universal XSS (UXSS) attacks through event-based vectors. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized cross-origin event dispatching operations, particularly concerning the EventTarget::dispatchEvent function.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the code generation level where the EventTarget::dispatchEvent function lacks proper cross-origin security checks during the binding generation process. This allows malicious actors to manipulate event handling mechanisms across different origins, effectively bypassing the same-origin policy that normally protects against cross-origin script execution. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious events that can traverse security boundaries, potentially executing arbitrary code in the context of other origins. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the browser's security model where the code generation phase fails to enforce proper security boundaries that should exist at runtime.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables Universal XSS attacks that can compromise the integrity of web applications and user data. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious event handlers that execute in the context of different origins, potentially accessing sensitive data, performing unauthorized actions, or redirecting users to malicious content. The vulnerability affects the core event handling mechanism of the browser, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple web applications and services. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which deals with "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as it enables persistent script execution across origins.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1701 require immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 33.0.1750.149 or later, which includes proper implementation of cross-origin restrictions in the EventTarget::dispatchEvent function. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution, regular security audits of web applications, and monitoring for suspicious event handling patterns. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring proper cross-origin validation during the code generation phase, preventing the creation of insecure binding functions that could be exploited. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar code generation flaws that could potentially create similar security weaknesses.