CVE-2016-9651 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
A missing check for whether a property of a JS object is private in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9651 represents a critical security flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome browsers prior to version 55.0.2883.75. This issue stems from an insufficient validation mechanism that fails to properly verify whether JavaScript object properties are private or public, creating a significant bypass opportunity for malicious actors. The vulnerability resides within the core JavaScript engine that processes web content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, specifically in the context of JavaScript engine security. The flaw occurs when the V8 engine fails to perform adequate checks on object property accessibility during the execution of JavaScript code, allowing attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions that are normally enforced to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. This missing validation creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks where malicious JavaScript code can manipulate object properties in ways that should be restricted, effectively breaking down the security boundaries that separate trusted browser code from untrusted web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9651 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote code execution within the browser's sandbox environment without user interaction. Attackers can craft specially designed HTML pages that exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is broad since it affects all versions of Google Chrome prior to 55.0.2883.75, making it particularly dangerous for users who have not updated their browsers. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers JavaScript and VBScript execution, and represents a classic example of sandbox escape techniques that bypass browser security models.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control mechanisms in modern browser engines. The missing property validation allows attackers to access private object members that should be protected from external manipulation, effectively creating a backdoor into the browser's security architecture. This flaw particularly affects web applications that rely on V8's security model to isolate different execution contexts, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that protect users from malicious web content. Organizations and individuals using affected Chrome versions face significant risk of data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments, making immediate remediation essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9651 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Google Chrome, specifically version 55.0.2883.75 or later, which implements proper property access validation. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, using content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Chrome versions and prioritize immediate updates. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing robust patch management processes to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor validation gaps can result in critical security breaches.