CVE-2015-1284 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The LocalFrame::isURLAllowed function in core/frame/LocalFrame.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 44.0.2403.89, does not properly check for a page's maximum number of frames, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid count value and use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code that makes many createElement calls for IFRAME elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1284 resides within the Blink rendering engine component of Google Chrome, specifically in the LocalFrame::isURLAllowed function located in core/frame/LocalFrame.cpp. This flaw represents a critical security issue that emerged in Chrome versions prior to 44.0.2403.89, where the browser's frame management system failed to properly validate the maximum number of frames allowed on a page. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that should have prevented excessive frame creation but instead allowed malicious JavaScript code to bypass these safety measures. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security architecture and web application execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the browser's internal frame counting mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting JavaScript code that repeatedly invokes createElement calls specifically targeting IFRAME elements, thereby overwhelming the browser's frame management system. When the LocalFrame::isURLAllowed function fails to properly enforce frame limits, it allows for an invalid count value to be processed, which subsequently leads to a use-after-free condition. This memory management error occurs when the browser attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability manifests as a denial of service condition where the browser becomes unresponsive or crashes, but the potential impacts extend beyond simple service interruption to include more severe consequences that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1284 extends significantly beyond the immediate denial of service scenario, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in browser security boundaries. Attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause system instability through controlled memory corruption, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique framework where use-after-free vulnerabilities are categorized under the broader ATT&CK matrix category of privilege escalation and code execution. The vulnerability affects the core browser functionality by undermining the fundamental security model that governs frame creation and management, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the browser's internal state. This represents a weakness in the input validation and resource management mechanisms that are critical for maintaining browser stability and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1284 require immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 44.0.2403.89 or later, which implements proper frame counting and validation mechanisms. The fix addresses the core issue by strengthening the LocalFrame::isURLAllowed function to properly enforce maximum frame limits and prevent invalid count values from being processed. Security administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual frame creation patterns and consider browser hardening measures that restrict excessive DOM manipulation. Organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all browser instances are regularly updated to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification that the patched version properly enforces frame limits and that use-after-free conditions are eliminated through proper memory management implementation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource management in browser security architecture, aligning with CWE categories related to resource management errors and memory safety issues.