CVE-2015-1232 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in the MidiManagerUsb::DispatchSendMidiData function in media/midi/midi_manager_usb.cc in Google Chrome before 41.0.2272.76 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact by leveraging renderer access to provide an invalid port index that triggers an out-of-bounds write operation, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1212.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1232 represents a critical array index error within Google Chrome's MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) implementation, specifically in the MidiManagerUsb::DispatchSendMidiData function located in media/midi/midi_manager_usb.cc. This flaw exists in Chrome versions prior to 41.0.2272.76 and demonstrates a classic out-of-bounds write vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers through renderer processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when handling MIDI port indices, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the system by providing invalid port index values that bypass normal boundary checks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array indices, and represents a fundamental flaw in input sanitization that allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the out-of-bounds write operation can potentially enable more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution or system instability. When a renderer process accesses the MIDI functionality and provides an invalid port index, the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated array boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to corrupt memory structures or manipulate program flow. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including browser security, USB device communication protocols, and memory management practices. The attack vector leverages the renderer's ability to interact with MIDI subsystems, which represents a significant escalation path since renderers typically operate with reduced privileges but still maintain access to system resources through legitimate interfaces.
The security implications of CVE-2015-1232 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages through web browsers, and T1068, which covers the exploitation of remote services. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous functionality like MIDI support can become a vector for more serious security breaches when proper input validation is absent. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path, potentially causing Chrome to crash or behave unpredictably. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2015-1212, while different in manifestation, suggests a broader pattern of issues within Chrome's MIDI implementation where similar boundary checking problems may exist in other components of the system. This indicates that the underlying architectural issues in how USB MIDI communication is handled within Chrome's security model require comprehensive review and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the MIDI subsystem. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all port index values are validated against the actual number of available ports before any array access occurs, preventing the out-of-bounds write condition. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and graceful degradation mechanisms can help prevent the exploitation from causing system-wide instability. Browser vendors should also consider implementing stricter sandboxing policies for renderer processes that interact with hardware interfaces, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining security through defense-in-depth principles, where multiple layers of protection work together to prevent exploitation of individual weaknesses. Regular security audits of system interfaces and proper code review practices are essential to prevent similar issues from emerging in other parts of the codebase, particularly in areas involving hardware communication protocols and memory management operations.