CVE-2015-1304 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
object-observe.js in Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 45.0.2454.101, does not properly restrict method calls on access-checked objects, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a (1) observe or (2) getNotifier call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1304 resides within the Google V8 JavaScript engine's object-observe.js implementation, which serves as a critical component in Google Chrome's execution environment. This flaw specifically targets the engine's handling of access-checked objects and demonstrates a significant bypass of Chrome's core security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 45.0.2454.101, representing a substantial window of exposure where users were susceptible to sophisticated cross-origin attacks. The issue stems from improper restrictions on method calls within the object observation framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent fundamental web security policies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the object-observe.js functionality to manipulate access controls on objects that should normally be restricted. When an attacker constructs a malicious payload using either the observe or getNotifier API calls, the V8 engine fails to properly validate access permissions on objects that have been marked as access-checked. This misconfiguration allows the attacker to execute method calls that would normally be blocked by the Same Origin Policy, effectively enabling unauthorized access to resources that should remain isolated between different origins. The flaw operates at the JavaScript engine level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses higher-level browser security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web application security and user privacy. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform cross-origin resource access, potentially reading sensitive data from other domains, executing unauthorized operations, or establishing persistence mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the bypass of Same Origin Policy allows for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the browser context. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by attack scenarios.
The security implications align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating Chrome to version 45.0.2454.101 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly enforce access controls on observed objects. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious JavaScript behavior and browser fingerprinting to detect potential exploitation attempts. The patch addresses the core issue by strengthening validation checks on method calls within access-checked objects, ensuring that the Same Origin Policy enforcement remains intact. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems still running affected Chrome versions and implement automated update mechanisms to prevent future exposure to similar vulnerabilities.