CVE-2016-5181 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink in Google Chrome prior to 54.0.2840.59 for Windows, Mac, and Linux; 54.0.2840.85 for Android permitted execution of v8 microtasks while the DOM was in an inconsistent state, which allowed a remote attacker to inject arbitrary scripts or HTML (UXSS) via crafted HTML pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5181 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Blink rendering engine used by Google Chrome across multiple platforms. This issue specifically affected Chrome versions prior to 54.0.2840.59 on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and 54.0.2840.85 on Android devices. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of v8 microtasks during DOM state transitions, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted HTML pages.
The technical flaw manifests when the Blink engine processes v8 microtasks while the Document Object Model remains in an inconsistent state. This condition creates a race window where microtasks can be executed before the DOM has fully stabilized, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML content. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-116 as improper handling of synchronous operations and falls within the broader category of cross-site scripting attacks. The issue is particularly dangerous because it bypasses traditional security mechanisms by exploiting the timing of JavaScript execution within the browser's rendering pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject arbitrary scripts that can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects all supported operating systems and mobile platforms where Chrome was installed, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on Google Chrome as their primary browser. The UXSS (User eXecution Scripting) classification indicates that the attack can execute in the context of the user's session, potentially leading to complete compromise of user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5181 include immediate upgrade to Chrome versions 54.0.2840.59 or later for desktop platforms and 54.0.2840.85 for Android devices. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems receive updates promptly. Browser security configurations can be enhanced by enabling Content Security Policy headers, implementing strict sandboxing measures, and utilizing security extensions that monitor for suspicious script execution patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, highlighting the need for layered defensive approaches including network monitoring, web application firewalls, and user education programs to prevent exploitation of such timing-based vulnerabilities in browser rendering engines.