CVE-2016-5190 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome prior to 54.0.2840.59 for Windows, Mac, and Linux; 54.0.2840.85 for Android incorrectly handled object lifecycles during shutdown, which allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via crafted HTML pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5190 represents a critical memory safety issue within Google Chrome's object lifecycle management during browser shutdown processes. This flaw affects multiple platform versions including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android operating systems, demonstrating the widespread nature of the vulnerability across different computing environments. The issue stems from improper handling of object references and memory deallocation sequences that occur when the browser terminates rendering processes, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory access patterns.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Chrome's memory management system where objects that should have been destroyed or cleaned up during browser shutdown remain accessible in memory for a brief period. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to craft malicious HTML content that triggers specific memory access patterns, leading to out of bounds memory reads. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and browser rendering engine components, specifically affecting how Chrome handles JavaScript object lifecycles during the shutdown sequence. Attackers can leverage this by creating specially crafted web pages that, when loaded in Chrome, cause the browser to attempt reading memory locations that are no longer valid or accessible, resulting in information disclosure or potential code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5190 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read sensitive memory contents that could include cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have historically led to severe security consequences. The attack vector requires only a user to visit a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the fact that it occurs during normal browser operations, making detection more difficult for traditional security monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5190 primarily focus on immediate software updates to the patched versions of Chrome, specifically version 54.0.2840.59 for desktop platforms and 54.0.2840.85 for Android. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability exists in multiple platform versions requiring coordinated remediation efforts. Browser security hardening measures including sandboxing, content security policies, and strict memory access controls can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices, particularly during shutdown and cleanup processes. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to malicious web content and implement web filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper object lifecycle management in browser security and demonstrates how seemingly routine operations like browser shutdown can create exploitable conditions when not properly secured against memory access violations.