CVE-2016-5194 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerabilities in Google Chrome before 54.0.2840.59.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5194 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine prior to version 54.0.2840.59. This flaw resides within the engine's handling of JavaScript objects and memory management operations, specifically affecting how the engine processes certain array operations and object consolidation. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome processes malicious JavaScript code that triggers improper memory allocation and deallocation sequences, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the victim's browser session, making it a prime target for exploit development. The vulnerability affects all supported platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android operating systems where affected versions of Chrome are installed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that leverages the V8 engine's memory management mechanisms. Attackers can trigger the buffer overflow by creating specific array objects with particular characteristics that cause the engine to miscalculate memory boundaries during object consolidation operations. When the JavaScript engine attempts to optimize memory usage for arrays containing objects with specific properties, it fails to properly validate the size calculations, leading to memory corruption. This corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by Chrome's sandboxing mechanisms being bypassed in certain scenarios, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. The attack typically requires a user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted document, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5194 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or code execution, as it represents a significant threat to web browser security and user privacy. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data theft, session hijacking, and installation of persistent malware on victim systems. The exploit can be delivered through various attack vectors such as compromised websites, phishing campaigns, or malicious advertisements, making it particularly dangerous in the context of modern web browsing. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face substantial risk of targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction in many cases. The flaw's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Chrome as the default browser on most operating systems, meaning that a large number of users are potentially exposed to this vulnerability. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild, with various threat actors leveraging it for advanced persistent threats and credential theft operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5194 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and browser version management. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Chrome version 54.0.2840.59 or later, which includes patches addressing the heap overflow conditions in the V8 engine. System administrators should implement automated update mechanisms to ensure all browsers are kept current with security patches. Additional protective measures include implementing strict web content filtering, using browser security extensions, and enabling sandboxing features that limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript/Visual BasicScript execution highlights the need for monitoring and detection of unusual script execution patterns. Network security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of browser versions and patch compliance to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2016-5194. The remediation process should also involve user education about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated to protect against known security flaws.