CVE-2016-1690 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The Autofill implementation in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.63 mishandles the interaction between field updates and JavaScript code that triggers a frame deletion, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted web site, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1701.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1690 represents a critical use-after-free condition within Google Chrome's Autofill implementation that existed in versions prior to 51.0.2704.63. This flaw specifically manifests when the browser processes field updates in conjunction with JavaScript code that initiates frame deletion operations, creating a dangerous race condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the domain of memory safety issues, which are commonly categorized under CWE-416 as use-after-free conditions, and more broadly under CWE-119 as improper access to memory locations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1499.004 for denial of service attacks, demonstrating how this flaw can be leveraged for both system disruption and potential code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for more severe attacks that could compromise the integrity of the browser's memory management system. When JavaScript code executes frame deletion operations during Autofill field updates, the browser's memory management can be manipulated to create situations where freed memory locations are accessed again, leading to unpredictable behavior that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. This particular flaw differs from CVE-2016-1701, indicating that while both vulnerabilities involve browser memory management, they affect different code paths within Chrome's architecture. The complexity of this vulnerability stems from the interaction between multiple browser subsystems, specifically the Autofill engine, JavaScript engine, and frame management components, creating a sophisticated attack surface that requires careful analysis of the browser's internal state management.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires a crafted malicious website that can trigger the specific sequence of events leading to the use-after-free condition. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing web pages that simultaneously update Autofill fields while executing JavaScript that deletes frames, creating a window where memory corruption can occur. This attack vector demonstrates the importance of proper memory lifecycle management in browser applications, as the interaction between different subsystems can create unexpected conditions that violate memory safety principles. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that beyond simple denial of service, attackers might be able to achieve more sophisticated exploits that could compromise user data or system integrity, making this a particularly concerning security issue for users of affected Chrome versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1690 primarily focus on updating to Chrome version 51.0.2704.63 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the memory management issues in the Autofill implementation. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to browser security. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security policies that restrict JavaScript execution on sensitive sites, enabling sandboxing features, and monitoring for unusual patterns of frame deletion and field update operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access known malicious web pages that exploit this vulnerability, as the attack typically requires a web-based delivery mechanism that can be monitored and blocked at network perimeters. The remediation process should also include user education about the importance of keeping browser software up to date and avoiding untrusted websites that might host malicious content designed to exploit this type of memory corruption vulnerability.