CVE-2016-5183 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A heap use after free in PDFium in Google Chrome prior to 54.0.2840.59 for Windows, Mac, and Linux; 54.0.2840.85 for Android allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via crafted PDF files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5183 represents a critical heap use after free condition within PDFium, the PDF rendering library that powers Google Chrome's document handling capabilities. This flaw exists in versions of Chrome prior to 54.0.2840.59 for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, and 54.0.2840.85 for Android devices, making it a widespread concern across multiple operating systems and device types. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management during PDF processing, specifically when handling crafted malicious PDF files that exploit the underlying heap corruption mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a heap use after free condition where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed or reused by the application. When a malicious PDF file is processed by Chrome's PDFium component, the renderer fails to properly validate or manage memory allocation patterns, leading to a scenario where freed heap memory regions are accessed again, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. This particular flaw falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a classic example of improper memory management that has been consistently flagged as a high-risk vulnerability in software security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to affected systems. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF documents that, when opened in vulnerable Chrome versions, trigger the heap corruption scenario and enable remote code execution. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources, such as email attachments, web downloads, or document sharing platforms. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that organizations cannot rely on operating system-specific protections, as the flaw affects multiple platforms and device types.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5183 focus primarily on immediate patching and updating of affected Chrome installations to versions that contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability provides attackers with a straightforward method to compromise systems. Additional protective measures include implementing strict PDF file handling policies, such as disabling automatic PDF rendering in web browsers, using sandboxing techniques, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious PDF content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves the execution of malicious code through compromised PDF rendering processes, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams implementing threat detection and response protocols.