CVE-2016-5222 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect handling of invalid URLs in Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75 for Mac, Windows and Linux, and 55.0.2883.84 for Android allowed a remote attacker to spoof the contents of the Omnibox (URL bar) via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5222 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's handling of malformed URL structures across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems. This issue stems from improper validation mechanisms within Chrome's user interface components, specifically affecting the Omnibox functionality that displays website addresses to users. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the visual representation of URLs in the browser's address bar, creating a deceptive user experience that could facilitate phishing attacks and other social engineering exploits. The flaw particularly impacts versions prior to Chrome 55.0.2883.75 for desktop platforms and 55.0.2883.84 for Android devices, indicating a widespread exposure period across the Chrome user base.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Chrome's insufficient input validation when processing malformed or crafted URLs within HTML documents. When a malicious webpage attempts to manipulate URL display through improper URL handling, the browser fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before rendering it in the Omnibox interface. This improper handling creates a condition where attacker-controlled content can override or modify the visual representation of the current URL, potentially displaying misleading information to users while maintaining the actual navigation path. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the browser's user interface rendering mechanisms, specifically targeting the trust relationship between user interface elements and underlying network operations. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and represents a significant deviation from expected security practices in web browser design.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5222 extends beyond simple visual deception to create substantial security risks for end users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to make users believe they are visiting legitimate websites while actually navigating to malicious destinations, significantly undermining user trust in browser security indicators. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the most visible element of browser security - the address bar - which users rely upon to verify website authenticity. This vulnerability enables sophisticated phishing campaigns where attackers can display fake URLs that appear legitimate to users, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or malware delivery. The attack requires no local privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to adversaries with basic web development knowledge and capable of affecting a broad user base across multiple platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5222 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user awareness measures. The most effective solution involves updating Chrome to versions 55.0.2883.75 or later for desktop platforms and 55.0.2883.84 or later for Android devices, which contain patches addressing the URL handling validation issues. Organizations should implement automated update policies to ensure all Chrome installations remain current with security patches. Browser vendors and security teams should also consider implementing additional validation layers in web content processing, particularly around URL display mechanisms. Users should be educated about the importance of verifying website addresses through multiple means, including checking for secure connection indicators, examining URL structure for anomalies, and being cautious of unexpected visual changes in browser interfaces. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the need for robust input validation in user interface components and demonstrates how seemingly minor UI flaws can create significant security implications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for user execution and T1566 for phishing campaigns. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous URL rendering patterns and suspicious web content that might attempt to exploit similar validation weaknesses in browser components.