CVE-2016-1700 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
extensions/renderer/runtime_custom_bindings.cc in Google Chrome before 51.0.2704.79 does not consider side effects during creation of an array of extension views, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to extensions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1700 resides within the Chrome browser's extension rendering system, specifically in the runtime_custom_bindings.cc file that governs how extension views are managed during the browser's runtime. This flaw represents a classic memory safety issue that emerged from inadequate handling of object lifecycle management during the creation of extension view arrays. The vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 51.0.2704.79, making it a significant concern for users running outdated browser versions. The root cause stems from the browser's failure to properly account for side effects that occur during array construction, creating a scenario where objects may be prematurely deallocated while still referenced by other components. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of use-after-free conditions, which are particularly dangerous because they can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome processes extension views and attempts to create arrays containing these view objects. During this process, the system does not adequately track the lifecycle of individual view objects, allowing for situations where one object reference might be freed while another reference to the same memory location still exists. This mismanagement creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the extension system in ways that could lead to memory corruption. The flaw is particularly insidious because it operates within the browser's core extension handling mechanism, which is frequently accessed by legitimate browser operations and malicious extensions alike. The vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices and inadequate reference counting or garbage collection mechanisms within the browser's extension API implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the primary effect is a use-after-free condition that typically results in browser crashes or denial of service, the underlying memory corruption could theoretically be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious extensions or manipulating existing extensions to trigger the flawed array creation process. The attack surface is particularly broad since extensions are commonly used and often granted elevated privileges, making the potential impact significant. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and represents a failure in proper memory management that could enable privilege escalation or system compromise. The attack pattern follows typical exploit development methodologies where memory corruption vulnerabilities are leveraged to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1700 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 51.0.2704.79 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of running outdated software and the importance of keeping browsers updated. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening measures, such as disabling unnecessary extension capabilities and restricting extension installation permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in browser security and underscores the need for rigorous code review processes, particularly in systems handling user-provided content or extensions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while network security controls should be configured to prevent unauthorized extension installations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities that could be exploited in sophisticated attack scenarios.