CVE-2016-1633 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 49.0.2623.75, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1633 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. This issue affects versions prior to 49.0.2623.75 and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with memory management errors in complex browser architectures. The Blink engine processes web content by parsing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities that could lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical nature of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management where the Blink engine continues to reference memory locations that have already been freed or deallocated. This occurs when objects are destroyed but their references remain accessible to the application, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the freed memory space. The vulnerability manifests through unknown vectors, suggesting that attackers could leverage various web page elements or scripting constructs to trigger the memory corruption. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, making it a direct manifestation of improper memory management practices in browser engine implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1633 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to user systems, bypass security restrictions, or escalate privileges within the browser environment. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers need only convince victims to visit malicious websites or open compromised web pages, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. The unspecified other impacts referenced in the description suggest potential for privilege escalation, information disclosure, or complete system compromise depending on the execution context and target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser updates to versions 49.0.2623.75 and later, which contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additionally, browser hardening techniques including sandboxing, privilege separation, and strict content security policies can reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreters, highlighting the need for defensive measures that monitor and restrict potentially malicious code execution within browser environments. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.