CVE-2016-5212 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75 for Mac, Windows and Linux, and 55.0.2883.84 for Android insufficiently sanitized DevTools URLs, which allowed a remote attacker to read local files via a crafted HTML page.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5212 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 55.0.2883.75 for Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, as well as version 55.0.2883.84 for Android systems. This issue stems from inadequate sanitization of Developer Tools URLs within the browser's security model, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit local file reading capabilities through maliciously crafted HTML pages. The flaw specifically targets the browser's handling of DevTools URLs, which are typically used for debugging and development purposes but can be manipulated to access local system resources when proper input validation is absent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper sanitization of URL parameters that are processed by Chrome's Developer Tools functionality. When a malicious webpage loads with specially crafted DevTools URLs, the browser fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to construct URLs that can bypass normal security boundaries and access local files on the victim's system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries and local file system access, creating a dangerous privilege escalation scenario where web content can potentially read arbitrary files from the local filesystem. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation and improper sanitization of developer tool interfaces, specifically CWE-20 for Improper Input Validation and CWE-74 for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5212 is significant as it enables remote code execution through information disclosure vulnerabilities, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration data, user credentials, or other locally stored information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting HTML pages that utilize the DevTools URL interface to read local files without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability affects multiple platforms including desktop and mobile operating systems, amplifying its potential impact across different user bases. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to execute code through web-based delivery mechanisms and gather sensitive information from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5212 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 55.0.2883.75 or later for affected platforms, which include proper sanitization of DevTools URLs and enhanced input validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple operating systems and device types. Additional defensive measures include network-based filtering to block access to known malicious domains, browser security hardening through content security policies, and user education regarding suspicious webpage content. Security professionals should also monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis, as the vulnerability creates distinctive patterns in URL access patterns that can be detected by intrusion detection systems. The fix implemented by Google addresses the root cause by improving the sanitization of DevTools URL parameters and ensuring proper boundary checking when processing these inputs, thereby preventing unauthorized local file access through web-based attack vectors.