CVE-2016-5202 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
browser/extensions/api/dial/dial_registry.cc in Google Chrome before 54.0.2840.98 on macOS, before 54.0.2840.99 on Windows, and before 54.0.2840.100 on Linux neglects to copy a device ID before an erase() call, which causes the erase operation to access data that that erase operation will destroy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2024
This vulnerability exists in the Chrome browser's implementation of the Device Independence Layer (DIAL) API functionality within the extensions framework. The issue is specifically located in the dial_registry.cc file where improper memory management occurs during device ID handling. The flaw represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability that arises from inadequate data copying before memory deallocation operations.
The technical root cause stems from a failure to properly duplicate or copy the device ID value before passing it to an erase() operation. When Chrome processes DIAL API requests for device discovery and communication, it maintains a registry of connected devices. During cleanup operations, the system attempts to remove entries from this registry but fails to maintain a separate copy of the device identifier that is being used as a key for the erase operation. This creates a scenario where the memory location containing the device ID becomes invalid immediately after the erase() call, yet the system continues to reference that freed memory location.
This vulnerability has significant operational impact as it can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw by crafting malicious DIAL API requests that manipulate the device registry in such a way that the memory corruption results in code execution within the Chrome process context. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including macOS, Windows, and Linux, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across various platform environments. The issue specifically impacts versions prior to Chrome 54.0.2840.98 on macOS, 54.0.2840.99 on Windows, and 54.0.2840.100 on Linux.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which describes the use of freed memory condition, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The memory corruption could enable attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the Chrome browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of Chrome, as the fix involves proper implementation of device ID copying before erase operations. Additionally, network segmentation and browser hardening measures should be implemented to limit potential exploitation vectors, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content.