CVE-2015-6580 in Google
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Google V8 before 4.5.103.29, as used in Google Chrome before 45.0.2454.85, allow attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6580 affects Google V8 JavaScript engine version 4.5.103.29 and earlier, which was utilized in Google Chrome versions prior to 45.0.2454.85. This represents a critical security flaw within the core JavaScript engine that powers web browsers and web applications, creating potential attack surfaces for malicious actors. The V8 engine serves as the backbone for executing JavaScript code in web environments, making it a prime target for exploitation due to its widespread usage across billions of devices globally. The unspecified nature of the vulnerabilities suggests multiple distinct weaknesses within the engine's architecture that could be leveraged for various malicious purposes.
The technical flaw resides in the V8 JavaScript engine's handling of certain JavaScript code execution patterns, particularly when processing malformed or specially crafted input. These vulnerabilities likely stem from insufficient input validation and memory management issues within the engine's compiler and runtime components. The unspecified vectors indicate that attackers could potentially exploit different aspects of the engine's operation including memory corruption, improper handling of object references, or flaws in the engine's optimization processes. Such issues typically arise from complex interactions between the engine's Just-In-Time compilation mechanisms and its garbage collection processes, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory states and execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, potentially enabling remote code execution and privilege escalation attacks. When exploited, these flaws could allow attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code on victim machines, bypass security restrictions, and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that V8 is used not only in Chrome but also in Node.js, Chromium-based applications, and various embedded systems. Organizations running affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments, as the vulnerabilities could be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or exfiltrate sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6580 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches to the affected V8 engine and Chrome browser versions. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Chrome version 45.0.2454.85 or later, which includes fixes for the identified vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerabilities align with CWE categories related to memory safety issues and input validation failures, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through web-based attack vectors. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other JavaScript engines and browser components that may be similarly affected by such fundamental architecture flaws.