CVE-2016-9650 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Blink in Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75 for Mac, Windows and Linux, and 55.0.2883.84 for Android incorrectly handled iframes, which allowed a remote attacker to bypass a no-referrer policy via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9650 represents a critical security flaw in the Blink rendering engine used by Google Chrome across multiple platforms including macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. This issue specifically pertains to the improper handling of iframe elements within the browser's security model, creating a significant bypass opportunity for malicious actors. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 55.0.2883.75 for desktop platforms and 55.0.2883.84 for Android devices, highlighting the widespread nature of the flaw across the browser's ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Blink's inadequate processing of referrer information when rendering iframe content. When a web page contains crafted iframe elements, the browser fails to properly enforce the no-referrer policy that should prevent sensitive information from being transmitted to external domains. This flaw allows attackers to construct malicious HTML pages that can circumvent the intended security boundaries, potentially exposing user browsing data and session information to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability operates at the core rendering engine level, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the fundamental way Chrome processes web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9650 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated phishing attacks and data exfiltration attempts. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass security measures designed to protect user privacy and prevent cross-site tracking. The flaw particularly affects scenarios where users navigate to malicious websites that contain carefully crafted iframe structures, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or the exposure of sensitive browsing patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a significant weakening of the browser's security posture.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a remote code execution risk due to its potential for enabling more sophisticated attacks. The attack vector requires only a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users may inadvertently visit compromised pages. Organizations and individuals should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The remediation process requires immediate updating of Chrome installations to versions 55.0.2883.75 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly enforce referrer policies and prevent iframe-based bypass attempts.