CVE-2015-1268 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
bindings/scripts/v8_types.py in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 43.0.2357.130, does not properly select a creation context for a return value's DOM wrapper, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via crafted JavaScript code, as demonstrated by use of a data: URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1268 resides within the Blink rendering engine's JavaScript binding mechanism, specifically in the v8_types.py script that handles DOM wrapper creation contexts. This flaw represents a critical security issue that undermines the fundamental web security model by enabling unauthorized cross-origin data access. The vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 43.0.2357.130, where the improper context selection mechanism fails to adequately enforce the Same Origin Policy that protects web applications from malicious cross-origin requests.
The technical implementation flaw occurs in the DOM wrapper creation process where the system fails to properly establish the correct execution context for return values. This misconfiguration allows malicious JavaScript code to manipulate the execution environment in ways that bypass normal security boundaries. When a data: URL is utilized in conjunction with this vulnerability, attackers can craft specific JavaScript payloads that exploit the context selection flaw to access restricted DOM objects across different origins. The vulnerability specifically targets the v8_types.py file within Blink's bindings layer, which serves as the interface between JavaScript and native DOM objects, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution and data exfiltration across origin boundaries without proper authentication or authorization. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive information from different domains, potentially compromising user data, session tokens, or other confidential resources. The exploitation technique demonstrates how a seemingly minor flaw in context management can result in complete bypass of web security mechanisms. This vulnerability affects not only individual user sessions but also enterprise environments where Chrome serves as the primary browser for accessing business applications and sensitive data systems.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques focused on privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability's exploitation pattern follows typical attack vectors where JavaScript-based attacks leverage browser engine flaws to circumvent security controls. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Chrome version 43.0.2357.130 or later, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and monitoring for suspicious data: URL usage patterns. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict origin policies can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper context management in browser security architectures and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of core rendering engine components.