CVE-2016-5143 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The Developer Tools (aka DevTools) subsystem in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.116, mishandles the script-path hostname, remoteBase parameter, and remoteFrontendUrl parameter, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted URL, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-5144.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5143 affects the Blink rendering engine's Developer Tools subsystem within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 52.0.2743.116. This issue represents a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to circumvent intended access controls through carefully crafted URLs. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of script-path hostname parameters and related URL components within the debugging interface. The flaw resides in how Chrome processes the remoteBase parameter and remoteFrontendUrl parameter, which are designed to control access to developer tools functionality. These parameters are typically used to specify the location of remote debugging interfaces and should normally enforce strict access restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive debugging features. However, the improper validation of these parameters creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security boundaries and gain access to developer tools that should remain restricted to authorized users only.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to weak access control in web applications. The flaw demonstrates how parameter handling in web browser components can create security gaps when input validation is insufficient or incorrectly implemented. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs that manipulate the hostname and URL parameters in ways that bypass the intended access restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the developer tools subsystem, which often has elevated privileges and access to sensitive debugging information. When properly exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to access remote debugging interfaces that should only be available to developers or authorized personnel within specific network contexts. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as access to developer tools can provide attackers with insights into application behavior, potential code vulnerabilities, and system internals that could facilitate further attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5143 is substantial for organizations relying on Google Chrome as their primary browser. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access debugging interfaces that may reveal sensitive information about web applications, including source code details, runtime variables, and application state information. This access can enable more sophisticated attacks such as code injection, session hijacking, or privilege escalation within the browser environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where developers may have access to internal systems and applications that contain sensitive data. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates differently from CVE-2016-5144, indicating that attackers have multiple pathways to bypass access controls in the same subsystem. The exploit requires minimal user interaction, as simply visiting a malicious URL can trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Organizations using older Chrome versions are at increased risk, as the vulnerability exists in the browser's core functionality rather than in specific web applications or extensions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5143 primarily focus on updating Chrome to version 52.0.2743.116 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper parameter handling in the Developer Tools subsystem. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems running Chrome are updated promptly. Browser administrators can also consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling developer tools in production environments where they are not required, though this approach may impact legitimate debugging activities. Network security controls including web proxies and firewalls can be configured to monitor and restrict access to potentially malicious URLs, though these measures are secondary to the primary patching requirement. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation in web browser components and highlights the need for continuous security testing of browser subsystems. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening configurations that limit access to debugging interfaces and restrict the ability of web content to manipulate browser parameters. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of browser security features to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may not yet be patched.