CVE-2016-1629 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 48.0.2564.116 allows remote attackers to bypass the Blink Same Origin Policy and a sandbox protection mechanism via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1629 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 48.0.2564.116 that undermines fundamental web security mechanisms. This issue affects the Blink rendering engine which powers Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent essential security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets two critical security layers: the Same Origin Policy and sandbox protection mechanisms that are fundamental to modern browser security architectures.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that enable attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy enforcement within Blink. This policy is a cornerstone of web security that prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin, thereby protecting user data and preventing cross-site scripting attacks. When this protection is bypassed, malicious actors can execute unauthorized cross-origin operations that should be strictly prohibited. Additionally, the vulnerability compromises the sandbox protection mechanisms that isolate different parts of the browser to prevent malicious code from affecting the operating system or other applications. The sandbox protection is implemented through multiple security layers including process isolation, privilege separation, and restricted system access controls that are essential for containing potential exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for users of affected Chrome versions. Attackers could exploit this flaw to perform actions such as accessing sensitive data from other origins, executing arbitrary code within the browser context, and potentially escalating privileges to access system resources. The bypass of sandbox protections means that even if an attacker successfully exploits a vulnerability in a web application, they could use this flaw to break out of the restricted browser environment and gain broader access to the underlying system. This creates a significant risk for users who browse the internet regularly, as the vulnerability could be exploited through malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised third-party web applications that users interact with daily.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a specific instance of privilege escalation through browser security mechanism bypass. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence within the browser environment, potentially enabling attackers to establish more persistent footholds. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Chrome's widespread adoption makes this vulnerability exploitable across numerous user bases. Organizations and individuals using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where a single flaw can undermine multiple protection layers simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1629 focus primarily on immediate browser updates to version 48.0.2564.116 or later, which contain patches specifically addressing the bypass mechanisms. Security administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious browser behavior, and maintaining awareness of emerging threats targeting browser vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying browser hardening techniques and restricting browser functionality where possible. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how browser security vulnerabilities can have cascading effects on overall system security. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.