CVE-2015-1291 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The ContainerNode::parserRemoveChild function in core/dom/ContainerNode.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 45.0.2454.85, does not check whether a node is expected, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy or cause a denial of service (DOM tree corruption) via a web site with crafted JavaScript code and IFRAME elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1291 resides within the Blink rendering engine component of Google Chrome, specifically in the ContainerNode::parserRemoveChild function located in core/dom/ContainerNode.cpp. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the browser's ability to properly validate node operations during DOM tree manipulation. The vulnerability manifests when the parserRemoveChild function fails to verify whether a node being removed is actually expected to be present in the current DOM structure, creating a path for malicious code execution that can bypass fundamental web security mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the DOM node removal process. When JavaScript code attempts to manipulate DOM elements through IFRAME elements, the parserRemoveChild function does not perform proper validation checks to ensure node integrity before removal operations. This absence of validation creates a condition where attackers can craft malicious JavaScript sequences that manipulate the DOM tree in unexpected ways, potentially leading to memory corruption or unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted by the Same Origin Policy. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of DOM manipulation and security policy enforcement, where the parser's failure to validate node expectations creates a window for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass serious security policy bypasses. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to circumvent the Same Origin Policy, which is a fundamental security mechanism that prevents web pages from accessing resources from different origins without proper authorization. This capability allows attackers to potentially access sensitive data, perform cross-origin requests, or manipulate browser behavior in ways that should be prohibited. Additionally, the vulnerability can lead to DOM tree corruption, which may result in browser instability, crashes, or even potential code execution in certain scenarios. The exploitation requires a crafted web page with specific JavaScript code and IFRAME elements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through standard web browsing activities.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within a Memory Buffer and CWE-284 Improper Access Control, both of which are critical weaknesses in memory management and access control mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1211 Lateral Movement, as attackers can use the bypassed security controls to execute malicious commands and potentially move laterally within affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates how seemingly benign DOM manipulation operations can be weaponized to undermine core browser security models, highlighting the importance of proper input validation in security-critical components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1291 primarily focus on updating to affected versions of Google Chrome where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated to Chrome version 45.0.2454.85 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the ContainerNode::parserRemoveChild function. Browser administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as Content Security Policy headers, sandboxing mechanisms, and regular security audits of web applications to minimize the risk of exploitation. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they cannot fully compensate for the underlying vulnerability in the browser engine itself. The patch addresses the core validation issue by implementing proper node expectation checks within the parserRemoveChild function, thereby restoring the expected security boundaries within the Blink rendering engine.