CVE-2016-1698 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The createCustomType function in extensions/renderer/resources/binding.js in the extension bindings in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.79 does not validate module types, which might allow attackers to load arbitrary modules or obtain sensitive information by leveraging a poisoned definition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1698 resides within the extension binding mechanism of Google Chrome, specifically in the createCustomType function located in extensions/renderer/resources/binding.js. This flaw represents a critical security issue that undermines the browser's extension security model by failing to properly validate module types during the extension binding process. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 51.0.2704.79, making it a significant concern for users operating outdated browser versions.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the extension bindings system where the createCustomType function accepts module definitions without proper type verification. This validation gap allows malicious actors to inject poisoned module definitions that can bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of privilege escalation and information disclosure, as it enables attackers to load arbitrary modules that may contain malicious code or access sensitive data that should remain protected. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how weak validation can lead to arbitrary code execution or information leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the extension sandboxing model that Chrome employs to isolate third-party extensions from the core browser functionality. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser's renderer process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The ability to load arbitrary modules means that malicious actors could install backdoors, steal user credentials, or perform other malicious activities while remaining undetected within the browser's security boundaries. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, potentially affecting all users who have extensions installed and running vulnerable Chrome versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1698 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 51.0.2704.79 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the validation gap in the createCustomType function. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as this vulnerability can be exploited through malicious extensions or compromised extension repositories. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious extension behavior and employ extension whitelisting policies to restrict which third-party extensions can be installed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security-critical code paths and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1106 for execution through valid accounts, as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate extension mechanisms to perform malicious activities. Regular security audits of browser extension systems should be conducted to identify similar validation weaknesses that could potentially be exploited in the future.