CVE-2016-1623 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The DOM implementation in Google Chrome before 48.0.2564.109 does not properly restrict frame-attach operations from occurring during or after frame-detach operations, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted web site, related to FrameLoader.cpp, HTMLFrameOwnerElement.h, LocalFrame.cpp, and WebLocalFrameImpl.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1623 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's document object model implementation that undermines fundamental web security mechanisms. This issue affects Chrome versions prior to 48.0.2564.109 and stems from improper handling of frame attachment and detachment operations within the browser's rendering engine. The flaw specifically resides in the FrameLoader.cpp, HTMLFrameOwnerElement.h, LocalFrame.cpp, and WebLocalFrameImpl.cpp components, which together manage the complex lifecycle of embedded frames within web pages. The vulnerability exploits a race condition or improper state management that allows malicious web sites to manipulate frame relationships in ways that should be strictly prohibited by web security policies.
The technical nature of this vulnerability directly violates the Same Origin Policy, which serves as one of the fundamental security boundaries in web browsers. This policy prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources or executing operations on another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. The flaw enables attackers to perform frame-attach operations even when frame-detach operations are in progress or have completed, creating opportunities for unauthorized access to frame content that should be isolated. This behavior essentially allows attackers to bypass the security restrictions that separate different web origins, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data or execute malicious code within contexts where such access should be forbidden.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1623 is significant as it provides remote attackers with a mechanism to circumvent core web security protections that are essential for maintaining user privacy and data integrity. Attackers can craft malicious websites that exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to frame content, potentially enabling them to steal session cookies, access sensitive user data, or perform actions on behalf of users without their knowledge or consent. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a malicious website that can be loaded in a victim's browser, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which deals with inadequate access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Chrome version 48.0.2564.109 or later, where Google has implemented proper restrictions on frame attachment operations during and after detachment events. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as content security policies, sandboxing mechanisms, and regular browser updates as part of their overall security posture. The fix addresses the underlying implementation issue by ensuring proper state management during frame operations and enforcing stricter controls over when and how frame attachment can occur. Security teams should monitor for any related vulnerabilities in web applications that might exploit similar frame handling issues and ensure that all browser components remain current with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of such fundamental security flaws.