CVE-2016-1618 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 48.0.2564.82, does not ensure that a proper cryptographicallyRandomValues random number generator is used, which makes it easier for remote attackers to defeat cryptographic protection mechanisms via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1618 resides within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other web browsers. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the browser's implementation of cryptographic random number generation mechanisms. The issue stems from the browser's failure to properly utilize cryptographically secure random number generators when generating values required for cryptographic operations. This vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 48.0.2564.82, indicating a window of exposure where users were susceptible to attacks exploiting this weakness. The improper implementation of random number generation creates a pathway for attackers to predict or manipulate cryptographic outputs, undermining the security assurances that cryptographic systems are designed to provide.
The technical flaw manifests in how Blink handles random number generation for cryptographic purposes. When web applications or browser components require cryptographically secure random values, the system should utilize algorithms specifically designed to be unpredictable and resistant to statistical analysis. However, in this case, the implementation fails to ensure that such secure random number generators are properly invoked. This weakness allows attackers to potentially reverse engineer or predict the random sequences used in cryptographic operations, making it significantly easier to compromise security mechanisms that rely on randomness. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface could encompass multiple cryptographic protections including but not limited to session tokens, encryption keys, and digital signatures.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1618 extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that web browsers establish with users. Remote attackers who can exploit this vulnerability can potentially bypass security protections that depend on proper randomization, including secure communication protocols, authentication mechanisms, and data encryption. This weakness particularly affects scenarios where browser-based applications rely on cryptographic randomness for security, such as generating secure session identifiers, creating cryptographic keys for TLS connections, or implementing secure randomization in web-based security protocols. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for users engaging in secure online transactions, accessing confidential information, or using web applications that depend on cryptographic protections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1618 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome where the random number generation has been properly implemented. System administrators and users should prioritize immediate upgrades to Chrome version 48.0.2564.82 or later, as this update addresses the core issue with cryptographic random number generation. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular browser updates and security assessments. From a defensive perspective, web developers should avoid relying on browser-provided random number generation for critical cryptographic operations and instead implement additional layers of security verification. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in cryptographic contexts, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify related attack patterns targeting similar cryptographic weaknesses.