CVE-2015-1228 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The RenderCounter::updateCounter function in core/rendering/RenderCounter.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 41.0.2272.76, does not force a relayout operation and consequently does not initialize memory for a data structure, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) token sequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1228 resides within the Blink rendering engine component of Google Chrome browser, specifically in the RenderCounter::updateCounter function located in core/rendering/RenderCounter.cpp. This flaw represents a critical memory initialization issue that affects Chrome versions prior to 41.0.2272.76, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the browser's rendering subsystem through carefully crafted CSS token sequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the RenderCounter::updateCounter function's failure to enforce a required relayout operation during CSS processing. When the browser encounters certain CSS counter-related properties, the function does not properly initialize memory for a data structure that should be allocated and configured before use. This memory initialization gap creates a condition where the application attempts to access or manipulate uninitialized memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests primarily as a denial of service condition, where remote attackers can trigger application crashes through malicious CSS content. However, the potential for more severe consequences exists, as the uninitialized memory access could potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause other unspecified impacts. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts where users frequently encounter untrusted content.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development practices, and demonstrates how improper memory management can create security risks in complex rendering engines. From an attack perspective, the flaw fits within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which involves legitimate user access to execute malicious code through web-based attacks. The vulnerability represents a classic case of memory corruption that can be exploited through web content manipulation.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-1228 involves ensuring that the RenderCounter::updateCounter function properly forces a relayout operation and initializes all required memory structures before processing CSS counter-related properties. Browser vendors should implement proper memory management protocols that guarantee data structure initialization before use, particularly in rendering components that handle user-provided content. Users are advised to upgrade to Chrome version 41.0.2272.76 or later, which includes patches addressing this specific memory initialization flaw. Additionally, implementing content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.