CVE-2016-1696 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The extensions subsystem in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.79 does not properly restrict bindings access, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1696 resides within the extensions subsystem of Google Chrome browser version 51.0.2704.79 and earlier. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental web security model by allowing unauthorized access to extension bindings. The issue specifically affects how Chrome handles the restriction of access to extension APIs and resources, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to circumvent core security controls that normally prevent cross-origin resource access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within Chrome's extension architecture. When extensions attempt to access resources or APIs, proper access controls should enforce strict boundaries based on origin policies and security contexts. However, the flaw allows attackers to manipulate these access controls through unspecified vectors that exploit weaknesses in the binding mechanisms. This misconfiguration creates opportunities for attackers to execute unauthorized operations across different security contexts, effectively breaking down the isolation that extension environments should maintain from regular web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy that forms the cornerstone of web security. This policy prevents web pages from accessing resources from different origins, but the flaw allows malicious actors to traverse these boundaries and access extension APIs that should remain isolated. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user data, manipulate extension functionality, or even escalate their privileges within the browser environment. The implications are particularly severe given that Chrome extensions often have elevated permissions and can access user data, cookies, and other sensitive information.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where extension bindings are not properly restricted to their intended contexts. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, as attackers can exploit the binding restrictions to gain unauthorized access to extension resources and potentially move laterally within the browser environment. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader browser security assessments and implement immediate mitigations through browser updates and extension management policies.
The remediation approach centers on updating Chrome to version 51.0.2704.79 or later, which includes patches addressing the improper access control mechanisms in the extension subsystem. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict extension permissions, ensuring that only trusted extensions are installed and that unnecessary privileges are removed from existing extensions. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized extension installations and unusual extension API access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing comprehensive extension management policies as part of overall cybersecurity frameworks, particularly in environments where browser-based attacks represent significant risk vectors.