CVE-2016-1670 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the ResourceDispatcherHostImpl::BeginRequest function in content/browser/loader/resource_dispatcher_host_impl.cc in Google Chrome before 50.0.2661.102 allows remote attackers to make arbitrary HTTP requests by leveraging access to a renderer process and reusing a request ID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1670 represents a critical race condition flaw within Google Chrome's resource dispatcher host implementation that existed prior to version 50.0.2661.102. This issue resides in the ResourceDispatcherHostImpl::BeginRequest function located in content/browser/loader/resource_dispatcher_host_impl.cc, where the improper handling of request IDs creates a window of opportunity for malicious exploitation. The race condition manifests when a renderer process gains access to the vulnerable code path, allowing attackers to manipulate HTTP request flows through reused request identifiers. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of process isolation and resource management within Chrome's architecture, specifically targeting the inter-process communication mechanisms that govern how browser processes handle network requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in request ID management where the same identifier can be reused before the previous request completes its processing cycle. When an attacker controls a renderer process, they can craft malicious sequences that exploit this timing gap to inject arbitrary HTTP requests into the system. The flaw stems from insufficient synchronization mechanisms and improper request lifecycle management within the resource dispatcher host component. This creates a scenario where request IDs become available for reuse before the system properly acknowledges the completion of prior requests, effectively allowing attackers to hijack or manipulate request flows. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions, and represents a classic example of improper resource management where concurrent access to shared identifiers leads to unpredictable behavior and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1670 extends beyond simple HTTP request manipulation to potentially enable sophisticated attacks such as cross-site request forgery, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the browser context. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to make unauthorized requests on behalf of users, potentially accessing sensitive resources or performing actions without proper authorization. The attack requires local access to a renderer process, which is a significant constraint but represents a realistic threat vector since renderer processes are inherently less isolated than main browser processes. This vulnerability impacts the core security model of Chrome's architecture by undermining the trust boundaries between renderer and browser processes, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls that depend on proper request identification and tracking. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves command and control through compromised processes, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote services through local access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1670 focus primarily on updating to Chrome version 50.0.2661.102 or later, where the race condition has been addressed through improved synchronization mechanisms and request ID management. Security professionals should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious request patterns and process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Google involved strengthening the request lifecycle management within the resource dispatcher host, ensuring that request IDs remain unique and properly tracked during concurrent processing scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing additional browser hardening measures, including strict content security policies, sandboxing configurations, and process isolation controls that limit the potential impact of compromised renderer processes. Regular security assessments of browser components and adherence to security best practices for process management and resource handling remain essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in the browser ecosystem.