CVE-2016-5150 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit/Source/bindings/modules/v8/V8BindingForModules.cpp in Blink, as used in Google Chrome before 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux, has an Indexed Database (aka IndexedDB) API implementation that does not properly restrict key-path evaluation, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code that leverages certain side effects.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-5150 represents a critical flaw in the Indexed Database API implementation within WebKit's Blink rendering engine, specifically affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X and 53.0.2785.92 on Linux. This issue resides in the V8BindingForModules.cpp file within the bindings modules, where the IndexedDB API fails to properly validate and restrict key-path evaluation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when JavaScript code exploits side effects during key-path processing, creating a dangerous condition that can lead to memory corruption and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the IndexedDB API's key-path evaluation system. When malicious JavaScript code attempts to manipulate key paths through crafted sequences, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing. This improper restriction allows attackers to manipulate the internal memory structures of the IndexedDB implementation, creating conditions where freed memory locations may be accessed or modified. The vulnerability specifically targets the use-after-free condition, where objects are accessed after their memory has been deallocated, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and stability. The denial of service attack vector allows remote adversaries to crash browser processes or cause system instability through carefully crafted JavaScript payloads. However, the potential for more severe impacts exists, as the use-after-free condition could potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation or code execution depending on the specific memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a widespread concern for Chrome users across different platforms. The attack requires only remote code execution capabilities through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5150 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates to the affected Chrome versions. Organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome versions 53.0.2785.89 or later on Windows and OS X, and 53.0.2785.92 or later on Linux. Additionally, browser security configurations should include enhanced sandboxing mechanisms and content security policies to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which addresses NULL pointer dereference issues, though this specific case involves use-after-free conditions rather than simple null pointer access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service through memory corruption, specifically targeting the browser's database subsystem and execution environment.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation risks to highlight the importance of secure implementation practices in browser components. The IndexedDB API implementation demonstrates how seemingly routine database operations can become attack vectors when proper input validation and memory management protocols are not enforced. Security researchers and organizations should maintain vigilance regarding similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in browser engines, particularly those involving database and storage APIs. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of browser components, including thorough evaluation of edge cases in API implementations and proper handling of malformed inputs. This particular flaw serves as a reminder of the complex security landscape within modern web browsers where multiple interconnected components must maintain robust security boundaries to prevent exploitation through seemingly minor implementation flaws.