CVE-2016-5129 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8 before 5.2.361.32, as used in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.82, does not properly process left-trimmed objects, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5129 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Google V8 JavaScript engine version 5.2.361.32 and earlier, which was integrated into Google Chrome browser versions prior to 52.0.2743.82. This flaw specifically affects how the V8 engine handles left-trimmed objects during JavaScript execution, creating a potential pathway for remote attackers to exploit memory management inconsistencies. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper handling of object references and memory structures, which directly impacts the stability and security of web browsers that rely on this engine for JavaScript interpretation. The issue demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the engine's object management system where it fails to properly validate or process objects that have undergone left-trimming operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when JavaScript code deliberately constructs left-trimmed objects in a manner that triggers memory corruption within the V8 engine's garbage collection and memory allocation processes. Left-trimming refers to the process where elements are removed from the beginning of an array or object structure, leaving gaps in memory references that the engine fails to properly handle. When malicious JavaScript code exploits this behavior, it can cause memory corruption that manifests as unpredictable program behavior, application crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and object reference handling, creating a vector where attackers can manipulate the engine's internal state through carefully crafted JavaScript constructs. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users of affected Chrome versions as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise. The memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system, making it a serious concern for enterprise environments and individual users alike. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest potential for privilege escalation or information disclosure. Organizations using affected browser versions face substantial risk of targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special user actions or privileges. Security teams must consider the implications for web application security, as this vulnerability demonstrates how engine-level flaws can translate into real-world exploitation opportunities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5129 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions containing the patched V8 engine, which resolves the memory handling issues associated with left-trimmed objects. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks. Network security measures including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers while waiting for patch deployment. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JavaScript patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, demonstrating the memory safety implications of improper object handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of memory corruption flaws and can be used as a vector for initial access or privilege escalation within compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of V8 engine versions and browser patch status to prevent exploitation of this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.