CVE-2015-1235 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The ContainerNode::parserRemoveChild function in core/dom/ContainerNode.cpp in the HTML parser in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 42.0.2311.90, allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted HTML document with an IFRAME element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1235 represents a critical security flaw in the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. This issue resides within the ContainerNode::parserRemoveChild function located in core/dom/ContainerNode.cpp, which forms part of the HTML parser component responsible for processing web content. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Chrome prior to 42.0.2311.90, making it a significant concern for users running outdated browser versions.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of IFRAME elements during HTML document parsing, which creates a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the fundamental Same Origin Policy that protects web browsers from cross-site scripting attacks. When a crafted HTML document containing a specially constructed IFRAME element is processed by the vulnerable browser, the parserRemoveChild function fails to properly validate or sanitize the element's removal process. This failure allows attackers to manipulate the browser's rendering behavior and potentially access resources that should be restricted due to origin-based security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple policy bypass, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated attacks that could lead to data theft, session hijacking, or further exploitation of the target system. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit this flaw to access content from different origins, potentially compromising user privacy and security. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on strict origin-based access controls, as it undermines the browser's fundamental security model and could enable attackers to perform unauthorized operations across different domains.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of how browser engine flaws can compromise core security mechanisms. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or manipulate browser behavior. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to Chrome version 42.0.2311.90 or later, as this vulnerability could be exploited in the wild to bypass critical security controls. Additionally, security teams should implement network-based monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider deploying web application firewalls or content security policies as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping browser software updated and highlights the critical nature of proper input validation and sanitization in browser engine components that handle complex HTML parsing operations.