CVE-2015-1210 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The V8ThrowException::createDOMException function in bindings/core/v8/V8ThrowException.cpp in the V8 bindings in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 40.0.2214.111 on Windows, OS X, and Linux and before 40.0.2214.109 on Android, does not properly consider frame access restrictions during the throwing of an exception, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1210 represents a critical security flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine bindings within Google Chrome's Blink rendering engine. This issue specifically affects the V8ThrowException::createDOMException function located in the bindings/core/v8/V8ThrowException.cpp file, which serves as a crucial component for handling JavaScript exceptions within the browser's web content processing framework. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of frame access restrictions during exception handling operations, creating a significant bypass mechanism for the browser's fundamental security policies.
The technical flaw manifests when the V8 bindings process JavaScript code that attempts to throw DOM exceptions, particularly in scenarios involving cross-origin resource access. The function fails to properly verify whether the current execution context has appropriate permissions to access the target frame or resource, allowing malicious code to circumvent the same origin policy that normally prevents web pages from accessing content from different domains. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious websites that can exploit the improper exception handling to gain unauthorized access to restricted resources, effectively undermining the browser's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a method to bypass core web security mechanisms that protect users from cross-site scripting attacks and data leakage. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code that accesses sensitive information from different origins, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or further exploitation of the victim's browser environment. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android versions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across various user environments without requiring specific system configurations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to the broader category of privilege escalation attacks that target browser security boundaries. The ATT&CK framework classification would place this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting browser sandbox bypass mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation details in security-critical code can create significant vulnerabilities that compromise fundamental web security assumptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1210 primarily involve updating to patched versions of Google Chrome, specifically versions 40.0.2214.111 for Windows, OS X, and Linux, and 40.0.2214.109 for Android. System administrators and security professionals should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected platforms. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to provide defense-in-depth measures. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can further reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the browser ecosystem.