CVE-2016-1694 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
browser/browsing_data/browsing_data_remover.cc in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.63 deletes HPKP pins during cache clearing, which makes it easier for remote attackers to spoof web sites via a valid certificate from an arbitrary recognized Certification Authority.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1694 resides within the browsing data removal functionality of Google Chrome browser versions prior to 51.0.2704.63. This issue specifically affects the handling of HTTP Public Key Pinning (HPKP) mechanisms during cache clearing operations, creating a significant security weakness that undermines the integrity of web site authentication. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security features and certificate validation processes, where the removal of HPKP pins during routine cache cleanup procedures creates an exploitable gap in the security model.
HPKP is a security mechanism designed to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks by instructing browsers to remember which public keys should be associated with specific domains. When a browser receives a certificate with HPKP headers, it stores these pinning rules and uses them to validate future connections to that domain. The vulnerability occurs because Chrome's browsing data remover component was incorrectly implemented to delete HPKP pins when users cleared their cache, effectively removing the security protections that had been established for specific domains. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the absence of pinned keys and present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote attackers to conduct certificate spoofing attacks against websites that previously implemented HPKP protection. When HPKP pins are removed during cache clearing, attackers can present valid certificates issued by any recognized Certification Authority, bypassing the security controls that had been put in place to prevent such attacks. This weakness undermines the fundamental trust model of web security, as users may unknowingly connect to malicious sites that appear to be legitimate due to the absence of HPKP validation. The vulnerability particularly affects sites that rely on HPKP for enhanced security, making them more susceptible to various forms of impersonation and interception attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a specific implementation flaw in how browser cache management interacts with security policies. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and control communication, as attackers can leverage the weakened security posture to establish fraudulent web services that appear legitimate to users. The remediation involves updating Chrome to version 51.0.2704.63 or later, where the browsing data removal process no longer incorrectly deletes HPKP pins during cache clearing operations. Organizations should ensure their browser management policies include regular updates to maintain protection against this and similar vulnerabilities, as HPKP remains an important component of web security infrastructure despite its limited adoption in recent years.