CVE-2016-5130 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
content/renderer/history_controller.cc in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.82 does not properly restrict multiple uses of a JavaScript forward method, which allows remote attackers to spoof the URL display via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-5130 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome's history management system that could enable sophisticated phishing attacks through URL spoofing. This issue specifically affects the content/renderer/history_controller.cc component of Chrome's rendering engine, where the browser fails to properly validate or restrict consecutive calls to the JavaScript forward method. The vulnerability exists in Chrome versions prior to 52.0.2743.82, making it a critical concern for users running outdated browser versions.
The technical flaw stems from improper validation of JavaScript history navigation methods within Chrome's renderer process. When a web page attempts to invoke the forward method multiple times in sequence, the browser fails to enforce proper restrictions that would normally prevent such behavior. This allows malicious actors to craft web pages that manipulate the browser's history stack in ways that can make the displayed URL appear to be from a different domain than the actual content being rendered. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser rendering and JavaScript execution, leveraging the legitimate history API while exploiting its implementation weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple URL spoofing to create realistic phishing opportunities that can deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites. Attackers can exploit this flaw by creating web pages that manipulate the browser's address bar display through repeated forward method calls, potentially making users believe they are on a trusted site when they are actually on a malicious one. This creates a significant risk for credential theft, data exfiltration, and other malicious activities that rely on user trust in the displayed URL. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on visual cues from the address bar to verify website authenticity, making it a serious concern for enterprise and individual security.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-601 URL Redirection to Untrusted Site ('Open Redirect') and aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1566.001 Phishing and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS. The flaw demonstrates how browser implementation details can create security risks that bypass traditional security controls. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions and consider implementing additional browser security measures such as content security policies and enhanced phishing protection mechanisms. Users should be educated about the risks of URL spoofing and trained to verify website authenticity through multiple means beyond just address bar inspection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive browser security testing and the need for robust validation of JavaScript APIs that interact with core browser functionality.