CVE-2016-5164 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebKit/Source/platform/v8_inspector/V8Debugger.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, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the Developer Tools (aka DevTools) subsystem via a crafted web site, aka "Universal XSS (UXSS)."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5164 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Blink rendering engine's V8 debugger implementation, specifically in the WebKit/Source/platform/v8_inspector/V8Debugger.cpp file. This vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X platforms and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux systems, creating a universal XSS attack vector that can compromise the Developer Tools subsystem. The flaw exploits a fundamental security weakness in how the browser's debugging interface handles user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the privileged DevTools context. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the intersection of web content and browser debugging infrastructure, creating an attack surface that bypasses traditional security boundaries. The issue has been categorized under CWE-79 as a Cross-site Scripting vulnerability, which specifically addresses the injection of malicious code into web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious website crafts specially designed content that gets processed by the V8 debugger component within Chrome's DevTools. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML code directly into the developer tools interface, which then executes with elevated privileges compared to regular web content. This Universal XSS attack vector is particularly concerning because it can bypass standard XSS protection mechanisms since the malicious code executes within the browser's own debugging subsystem rather than in the regular page context. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input sanitization and validation within the V8 debugger's handling of user-provided data, enabling attackers to manipulate the debugging interface and potentially access sensitive information or execute unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond typical XSS attacks, as it can provide attackers with access to sensitive debugging information and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can inject code that executes within the DevTools context, which has elevated privileges and access to the browser's internal state and debugging capabilities. This creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information, manipulate debugging sessions, or potentially escalate privileges within the browser environment. The vulnerability affects all operating systems where the affected Chrome versions are deployed, making it a widespread concern across different platforms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through web-based vectors. The attack can occur without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for automated exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5164 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome where the vulnerability has been resolved. Organizations should ensure immediate deployment of Chrome versions 53.0.2785.89 or later on Windows and OS X systems, and 53.0.2785.92 or later on Linux systems. Browser vendors and security teams should implement additional protections such as Content Security Policy (CSP) headers that restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as it demonstrates how flaws in browser debugging interfaces can create significant security risks. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections and monitoring for suspicious DevTools activity, as well as conducting regular security assessments of browser environments. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patched version properly addresses the vulnerability without introducing regressions in browser functionality. Additionally, user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browsers updated remains crucial for overall security posture.