CVE-2016-1667 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The TreeScope::adoptIfNeeded function in WebKit/Source/core/dom/TreeScope.cpp in the DOM implementation in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 50.0.2661.102, does not prevent script execution during node-adoption operations, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted web site.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1667 represents a critical security flaw within the Blink rendering engine's DOM implementation that affects Google Chrome versions prior to 50.0.2661.102. This issue resides in the TreeScope::adoptIfNeeded function located in WebKit/Source/core/dom/TreeScope.cpp, which governs how nodes are adopted within the document object model structure. The flaw specifically manifests during node-adoption operations where the system fails to properly isolate script execution contexts, creating an avenue for malicious code to execute inappropriately. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and represents a significant bypass of the fundamental Same Origin Policy that forms the cornerstone of web security boundaries.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of script execution during DOM node adoption processes. When nodes are moved or adopted between different scopes within the document structure, the TreeScope::adoptIfNeeded function does not adequately prevent script execution that could occur during these operations. This creates a scenario where malicious scripts embedded within HTML content can be executed in contexts where they should be restricted, effectively allowing attackers to circumvent the browser's security model. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the DOM structure in ways that should be prevented by the Same Origin Policy, which normally restricts scripts from accessing resources from different origins. This represents a direct violation of the security boundaries that separate different web origins and their respective execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially exploitable by remote attackers through crafted web content. An attacker could construct malicious websites that leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code across different origins, effectively breaking down the security isolation that browsers maintain between different web domains. The vulnerability allows for cross-origin data access and manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to steal sensitive information, inject malicious content, or perform actions on behalf of users without their knowledge or consent. This type of attack directly undermines the browser's security architecture and could be used in conjunction with other techniques to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to user data. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates at the core DOM level, affecting fundamental web page rendering and structure manipulation operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1667 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper isolation of script execution during node adoption operations. The fix implemented by Google involved strengthening the security boundaries within the TreeScope::adoptIfNeeded function to ensure that script execution is properly controlled and isolated during DOM adoption processes. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations and implement additional security measures such as content security policies to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper access control mechanisms in web browser engines and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the flaw enables unauthorized script execution that bypasses normal security controls. Regular security audits of browser engine components and adherence to secure coding practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.