CVE-2015-6768 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The DOM implementation in Google Chrome before 47.0.2526.73 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6770.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6768 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's Document Object Model implementation that enabled remote attackers to circumvent the fundamental Same Origin Policy protections. This weakness existed in Chrome versions prior to 47.0.2526.73 and allowed adversaries to execute cross-origin requests that should have been blocked by browser security mechanisms. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from CVE-2015-6770, indicating a distinct exploitation pathway within the browser's DOM handling code. Such bypasses fundamentally undermine web security by allowing malicious actors to access resources and data from different origins without proper authorization, potentially leading to data exfiltration, session hijacking, and other serious security compromises.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies within Chrome's DOM implementation where the browser fails to properly enforce origin-based security restrictions that are essential for maintaining web application isolation. The Same Origin Policy serves as a cornerstone of web security by preventing scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data breaches. When this policy is bypassed through DOM manipulation flaws, attackers can exploit the browser's rendering engine to perform unauthorized operations across different domains. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how flaws in core browser components can create persistent security weaknesses that affect millions of users and compromise the integrity of web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6768 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that web applications rely upon for protection. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive data, manipulate web pages, or perform actions on behalf of users without their knowledge or consent. The implications are particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the browser's core functionality rather than just specific web applications, meaning that any website visited by an affected user could potentially exploit this flaw. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites, and it highlights the critical importance of keeping browser software updated to protect against such fundamental security weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates, as Google released version 47.0.2526.73 to address the issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all users are running secure browser versions. Additionally, security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious cross-origin requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through web browsers. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification that browser security policies are properly enforced, particularly focusing on DOM-based security controls that prevent unauthorized cross-origin operations.