CVE-2016-1648 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the GetLoadTimes function in renderer/loadtimes_extension_bindings.cc in the Extensions 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 crafted JavaScript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The CVE-2016-1648 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Google Chrome's extension framework that emerged from the GetLoadTimes function implementation in renderer/loadtimes_extension_bindings.cc. This vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 49.0.2623.108 and demonstrates how improper memory management in browser extensions can create significant security risks. The flaw occurs within the renderer process where extension bindings are handled, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attack vectors without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a classic use-after-free condition where memory allocated to extension objects is freed but references to that memory remain accessible. When the GetLoadTimes function processes extension-related data, it fails to properly validate or manage object lifetimes, allowing attackers to manipulate JavaScript code that triggers the freeing of memory objects while simultaneously maintaining references to them. This creates a scenario where subsequent operations on freed memory can lead to unpredictable behavior, including potential code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 as a Use After Free condition and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through browser exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1648 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that could compromise user systems. Attackers can craft malicious JavaScript payloads that exploit this vulnerability to cause browser crashes, memory corruption, or in some cases, achieve remote code execution depending on the execution environment and memory layout. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where Chrome is widely deployed and users may encounter malicious content through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1648 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates to ensure users are running Chrome version 49.0.2623.108 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, deploying web application firewalls, and utilizing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential impact of such exploits. Network administrators should also consider monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity and implementing browser hardening configurations that restrict extension capabilities and memory access patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory management in browser implementations and the critical need for regular security updates to protect against sophisticated exploitation techniques that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.