CVE-2016-1669 in Xcode
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
The Zone::New function in zone.cc in Google V8 before 5.0.71.47, as used in Google Chrome before 50.0.2661.102, does not properly determine when to expand certain memory allocations, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer overflow) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1669 resides within the Google V8 JavaScript engine implementation, specifically within the Zone::New function located in zone.cc. This flaw affects V8 versions prior to 5.0.71.47 and consequently impacts Google Chrome versions before 50.0.2661.102. The vulnerability stems from improper memory allocation expansion logic that fails to correctly assess when memory allocations should be extended, creating a condition where malicious JavaScript code can exploit this weakness to manipulate memory behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs during memory allocation operations within the V8 engine's zone management system. When the Zone::New function processes JavaScript code that triggers specific memory allocation patterns, it fails to properly validate or handle the expansion of memory regions. This improper handling allows attackers to craft JavaScript payloads that can cause the engine to allocate memory in unexpected ways, potentially leading to buffer overflows that can corrupt adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue indicates that attackers can force the browser to crash or become unresponsive, while the potential for unspecified other impacts suggests additional security implications that could include arbitrary code execution or information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the browser environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness through web-based exploits that do not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious websites. The vulnerability's presence in the core JavaScript engine means that any web content processed by the browser could potentially trigger the exploit, regardless of the origin or type of content. This makes the attack surface extremely broad and the potential for exploitation widespread across various web applications and services that rely on V8-powered environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1669 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of both the V8 JavaScript engine and Google Chrome browser. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Chrome version 50.0.2661.102 or later, which includes the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow", and may also relate to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as attackers would utilize JavaScript code to exploit this memory handling flaw. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections and monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.