CVE-2014-1716 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Runtime_SetPrototype function in runtime.cc in Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 34.0.1847.116, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, aka "Universal XSS (UXSS)."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The CVE-2014-1716 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Google V8 JavaScript engine's Runtime_SetPrototype function, which affected Google Chrome versions prior to 34.0.1847.116. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it was classified as a Universal XSS (UXSS) attack vector, meaning it could potentially bypass multiple security mitigations that typically protect against XSS attacks. The vulnerability existed within the core JavaScript engine that powers Chrome's web browser, making it a fundamental security issue that could affect virtually all web applications running within the browser environment. The unspecified attack vectors made this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be exploited through various means without specific knowledge of the exact trigger mechanism.
The technical flaw resides in the Runtime_SetPrototype function within V8's runtime.cc file, where improper handling of prototype manipulation allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content. This occurs when the JavaScript engine processes certain prototype-related operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the execution flow and inject arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the engine's prototype handling mechanisms, which are fundamental components of JavaScript's object-oriented programming model. When legitimate JavaScript code attempts to modify object prototypes, the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1716 was severe and far-reaching, as it enabled remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session. This capability allowed attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, defacing web pages, or executing phishing attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The Universal XSS nature meant that traditional security measures like Content Security Policy (CSP) and other XSS mitigations could be bypassed, rendering many existing defenses ineffective. The vulnerability could be exploited across different web applications and platforms since it targeted the underlying JavaScript engine rather than specific application code, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in the browser security model.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. The attack surface was extensive given that V8 is used across multiple Google products and platforms, and the exploit could be delivered through various means including malicious web pages, compromised advertisements, or social engineering campaigns. Organizations and users were particularly vulnerable because the flaw existed in a core component that was essential for browser functionality, making it difficult to isolate or patch without updating the entire browser ecosystem. The vulnerability highlighted the critical importance of secure JavaScript engine implementation and proper input validation in preventing code injection attacks that could compromise entire browser sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1716 required immediate browser updates to versions 34.0.1847.116 or later, where Google had implemented fixes to properly validate prototype manipulation operations. Security administrators should have enforced strict Content Security Policies and implemented additional client-side security measures to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability underscored the need for comprehensive security testing of core JavaScript engines and highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software. Organizations were advised to conduct immediate security assessments of their web applications to identify potential reliance on vulnerable browser components and implement additional monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.