CVE-2015-1267 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 43.0.2357.130, does not properly restrict the creation context during creation of a DOM wrapper, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via crafted JavaScript code that uses a Blink public API, related to WebArrayBufferConverter.cpp, WebBlob.cpp, WebDOMError.cpp, and WebDOMFileSystem.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1267 represents a critical security flaw in the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other web browsers. This issue stems from improper restriction of DOM wrapper creation contexts, creating a significant bypass mechanism for the fundamental Same Origin Policy that protects web applications from cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Chrome prior to 43.0.2357.130, making it a persistent threat in environments where older browser versions remain in use.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies within the WebArrayBufferConverter.cpp, WebBlob.cpp, WebDOMError.cpp, and WebDOMFileSystem.cpp components of the Blink engine. These files handle the conversion and manipulation of web APIs that interface with JavaScript objects, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the lack of proper context validation during DOM wrapper creation. When JavaScript code executes with crafted parameters, it can manipulate the creation context of these DOM wrappers, effectively circumventing the security boundaries that normally prevent scripts from different origins from accessing each other's resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized cross-origin data access and manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to construct sophisticated phishing campaigns, data exfiltration attacks, and session hijacking operations that would normally be prevented by browser security mechanisms. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on the same origin policy for protecting sensitive data, user credentials, and application state information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack vector typically involves delivering malicious JavaScript code through compromised websites or email attachments that, when executed in the vulnerable browser, exploits the DOM wrapper creation context flaw. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions, implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conduct comprehensive security assessments of web applications that may be vulnerable to this type of cross-origin bypass attack. The remediation process should include updating to Chrome version 43.0.2357.130 or later, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying browser security extensions that provide additional layers of protection against such exploitation techniques.