CVE-2016-1647 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the RenderWidgetHostImpl::Destroy function in content/browser/renderer_host/render_widget_host_impl.cc in the Navigation implementation in Google Chrome before 49.0.2623.108 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The CVE-2016-1647 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's browser architecture that specifically targets the RenderWidgetHostImpl::Destroy function. This vulnerability exists in the navigation implementation component of Chrome before version 49.0.2623.108, making it a significant security concern for users of older browser versions. The flaw occurs within the content/browser/renderer_host/render_widget_host_impl.cc source file, where improper memory management during the destruction of render widget hosts creates exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory deallocation practices within the browser's rendering subsystem. When the RenderWidgetHostImpl::Destroy function executes, it fails to properly handle memory references that may still be in use by other components or threads. This creates a scenario where freed memory locations can be accessed or overwritten by subsequent operations, leading to undefined behavior. The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free condition under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed, making it a direct descendant of the well-known memory safety issues that plague modern software applications. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the navigation process, which is one of the most frequently executed operations in a web browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the description indicates potential for unspecified other impacts that could include arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through remote code execution by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path during page navigation. When a user visits a compromised website, the attacker can cause the browser to free memory associated with a render widget host and then access that same memory location through subsequent operations, potentially leading to complete browser compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for execution through web-based attacks, particularly targeting browser exploitation techniques. The risk is amplified by the fact that navigation is a fundamental browser operation that users perform constantly, making exploitation relatively easy to achieve in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1647 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 49.0.2623.108 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects a core browser component that is essential for web browsing operations. Additional defensive measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, enabling sandboxing features within Chrome, and deploying network monitoring tools that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening configurations that restrict memory access patterns and implement stricter memory management policies within the browser environment. The patch for this vulnerability addresses the underlying memory management issue in the RenderWidgetHostImpl::Destroy function by ensuring proper reference counting and memory deallocation sequences that prevent the use-after-free condition from occurring.