CVE-2016-5145 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.116, does not ensure that a taint property is preserved after a structure-clone operation on an ImageBitmap object derived from a cross-origin image, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via crafted JavaScript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5145 represents a critical security flaw in the Blink rendering engine that powers Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. This issue specifically targets the handling of ImageBitmap objects and their interaction with cross-origin resources, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent fundamental web security mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the structure-clone operation that occurs when ImageBitmap objects are manipulated, fundamentally undermining the browser's security model.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of taint properties during ImageBitmap structure cloning operations. When a cross-origin image is processed into an ImageBitmap object, the browser should maintain strict security boundaries to prevent data leakage between different origins. However, the flaw allows the taint property - which marks objects as potentially tainted by cross-origin content - to be stripped or not properly maintained during the cloning process. This creates a scenario where malicious JavaScript code can extract information from cross-origin resources that should otherwise be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy, which is one of the fundamental security mechanisms protecting web applications. Attackers can craft JavaScript code that exploits this weakness to access cross-origin image data, potentially extracting sensitive information or circumventing security controls. The vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 52.0.2743.116, representing a substantial attack surface given Chrome's widespread usage. This flaw directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1046 for remote service enumeration.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves creating cross-origin image objects and then performing structure-clone operations on ImageBitmap representations of those objects. The cloned objects retain access to data that should be restricted due to cross-origin boundaries, effectively allowing attackers to perform information disclosure attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser engine level, making it difficult to detect through traditional web application security measures and potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as cross-site scripting or data exfiltration. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this weakness can be chained with other vulnerabilities to create more comprehensive attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5145 primarily involve updating to Google Chrome version 52.0.2743.116 or later, which implements proper taint property preservation during ImageBitmap structure cloning operations. Organizations should also implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider additional security measures such as content security policies and strict origin checking mechanisms. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that taint properties are properly maintained throughout the cloning process, thereby preserving the security boundaries between different origins. Security teams should monitor for any related vulnerabilities in the Blink engine and maintain awareness of similar issues that may affect other browser implementations or web standards.