CVE-2016-1652 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the ModuleSystem::RequireForJsInner function in extensions/renderer/module_system.cc in the Extensions subsystem in Google Chrome before 50.0.2661.75 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted web site, aka "Universal XSS (UXSS)."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The CVE-2016-1652 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Google Chrome's Extensions subsystem that was classified as a Universal XSS (UXSS) vulnerability. This vulnerability existed within the ModuleSystem::RequireForJsInner function located in extensions/renderer/module_system.cc, which is part of Chrome's extension rendering architecture. The flaw allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through maliciously crafted websites, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across different contexts without requiring specific user interaction beyond visiting a compromised site.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within Chrome's extension processing pipeline. When Chrome's renderer process handled JavaScript module loading for extensions, the ModuleSystem::RequireForJsInner function failed to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the page's JavaScript execution context. This weakness created a persistent XSS vector that could be leveraged by attackers to inject malicious payloads that would execute with the privileges of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability's classification as Universal XSS indicates that it could bypass various security mechanisms and affect multiple contexts within the browser's extension system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1652 was significant as it provided attackers with a powerful tool for persistent browser-based attacks. Since the vulnerability affected the core extension subsystem, it could be exploited to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate browser functionality, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack vector required only that users visit a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. This vulnerability could enable attackers to perform actions such as cookie theft, form data harvesting, session hijacking, and other malicious activities that would normally require more complex attack vectors or user interaction. The impact extended beyond simple XSS exploitation as it could potentially allow privilege escalation within the browser's extension environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1652 centered around immediate browser updates to version 50.0.2661.75 or later, which contained the necessary patches to address the input validation flaws in the ModuleSystem::RequireForJsInner function. Organizations should have implemented browser hardening measures including strict content security policies, regular security updates, and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a specific instance of how extension subsystem vulnerabilities can create persistent attack surfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving client-side exploitation and session management compromise, specifically targeting the browser's rendering and extension processing capabilities to establish persistent malicious presence within user sessions.