CVE-2016-5205 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink in Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75 for Linux, Windows and Mac, incorrectly handles deferred page loads, which allowed a remote attacker to inject arbitrary scripts or HTML (UXSS) via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5205 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Blink rendering engine used by Google Chrome across multiple operating systems. This issue specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 55.0.2883.75 and stems from improper handling of deferred page loads within the browser's core rendering components. The vulnerability falls under the category of unauthorized code execution and data injection, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attack scenarios. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the browser's handling of deferred content, creating opportunities for malicious script injection that could compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Blink engine's incorrect processing of deferred page loads, which creates a window where malicious content can be injected without proper validation or sanitization. When a web page contains deferred loading elements, the browser's rendering process may not adequately verify the integrity of content that is scheduled for later execution. This creates a condition where attacker-controlled HTML or script content can be injected into the page context during the deferred loading phase, bypassing normal security mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a UXSS (User eXecution Scripting) flaw, which specifically targets the user's browsing context rather than server-side components. This type of vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the browser level, where user interactions are processed and interpreted.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5205 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can craft malicious HTML pages that appear legitimate to users while simultaneously injecting malicious code that executes within the browser's context. The vulnerability's cross-platform nature means that users across Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems are equally at risk, eliminating any platform-based protection. This affects millions of Chrome users globally and represents a significant threat to web application security. The flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, compromised advertising networks, or phishing campaigns that leverage the browser's trust model to execute unauthorized code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 55.0.2883.75 or later, as this update resolves the underlying deferred loading handling issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include regular update management and monitoring for vulnerable browser versions. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known malicious patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust security controls in browser rendering engines. Security teams should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking on suspicious links. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and CWE-79 for cross-site scripting, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that address both application-level and browser-level threats.