CVE-2015-1253 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
core/html/parser/HTMLConstructionSite.cpp in the DOM implementation in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 43.0.2357.65, allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via crafted JavaScript code that appends a child to a SCRIPT element, related to the insert and executeReparentTask functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1253 represents a critical security flaw in the Document Object Model implementation within Google Chrome's Blink rendering engine. This issue specifically affects versions prior to Chrome 43.0.2357.65 and exposes a fundamental weakness in how the browser handles DOM manipulation operations, particularly concerning script element handling. The vulnerability stems from improper enforcement of the Same Origin Policy, which is a cornerstone security mechanism that prevents web pages from accessing resources from different origins without proper authorization.
The technical flaw manifests in the HTMLConstructionSite.cpp file within Blink's DOM implementation where the insert function and executeReparentTask functions fail to properly validate the context in which SCRIPT elements are manipulated. When malicious JavaScript code attempts to append a child node to an existing SCRIPT element, the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent normal security boundaries that should prevent such operations. This occurs because the DOM parsing and construction logic does not adequately verify that the insertion operation maintains proper security constraints, particularly when dealing with executable script content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution attacks through cross-site scripting techniques. Attackers can craft malicious JavaScript payloads that exploit this weakness to bypass the Same Origin Policy, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data, manipulate page content, or execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on dynamic DOM manipulation and script execution, creating a vector for sophisticated attacks that can compromise user sessions and data confidentiality. This flaw directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains that align with ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in browser security implementation where the parsing and construction of HTML elements fails to maintain proper security boundaries during dynamic content manipulation. The affected implementation does not properly enforce the security constraints that should prevent unauthorized script execution or data access when manipulating SCRIPT elements through DOM operations. This vulnerability represents a failure in the security model of the Blink engine's DOM handling, where the normal protections that should prevent such operations are bypassed through careful crafting of JavaScript code that exploits the specific behavior of the insert and executeReparentTask functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to the recommended secure release. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all users have the latest security patches installed. Additionally, web developers should employ robust input validation and sanitization practices, particularly when handling dynamic content manipulation and DOM operations. Security monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual DOM manipulation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor DOM handling flaws can have significant security implications when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors.