CVE-2016-1710 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The ChromeClientImpl::createWindow method in WebKit/Source/web/ChromeClientImpl.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.82, does not prevent window creation by a deferred frame, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1710 represents a critical security flaw in the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other web browsers. This issue specifically affects the ChromeClientImpl::createWindow method within WebKit's source code, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent fundamental web security mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in versions of Chrome prior to 52.0.2743.82, making it a significant concern for users who had not yet updated their browsers. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security architecture and web content rendering, fundamentally compromising the Same Origin Policy that serves as a cornerstone of web security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Blink handles window creation requests within a deferred frame context. When a web page attempts to create a new window or tab, the ChromeClientImpl component should enforce strict security checks to prevent unauthorized cross-origin operations. However, in the affected versions, this method failed to properly validate whether the window creation request originated from a legitimate context or from a deferred frame that could potentially contain malicious code. This oversight allows attackers to craft specially designed web pages that can manipulate the browser's window creation behavior, effectively bypassing the security boundaries that normally prevent scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser's core rendering layer, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through conventional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple policy bypassing, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated cross-origin attacks that could lead to data exfiltration, session hijacking, or the exploitation of other browser vulnerabilities. When an attacker successfully exploits this flaw, they can create windows that appear to originate from different domains while actually being controlled by malicious scripts, allowing them to perform actions that would normally be restricted by the Same Origin Policy. This capability opens doors to various attack vectors including phishing, credential theft, and the execution of malicious code across different security contexts. The vulnerability particularly affects users who visit compromised websites or are subjected to drive-by download attacks, as the exploitation can occur without any user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site. The implications are severe enough to warrant immediate patching of affected systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-1710 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 52.0.2743.82 or later, which implements proper validation of window creation requests within deferred frames. The fix addresses the core issue by strengthening the ChromeClientImpl::createWindow method to properly enforce security boundaries even when dealing with deferred frame contexts. Organizations should prioritize this update as part of their vulnerability management processes, particularly given the remote exploitability of the flaw. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious window creation patterns, and maintaining up-to-date browser security policies. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) when used in conjunction with other exploitation methods. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security context validation in browser components and highlights the critical need for thorough testing of core rendering engine functionalities against potential attack vectors that could bypass fundamental security models.