CVE-2017-15416 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap buffer overflow in Blob API in Google Chrome prior to 63.0.3239.84 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, aka a Blink out-of-bounds read.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15416 represents a critical heap buffer overflow within the Blob API implementation of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 63.0.3239.84. This flaw exists within the Blink rendering engine that powers Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking during heap memory operations when processing Blob objects, which are used to represent immutable raw data in web applications. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be triggered by visiting a specially crafted HTML page, allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to construct a malicious HTML page that leverages the Blob API to trigger the buffer overflow condition. The flaw occurs when Chrome processes Blob objects containing crafted data that exceeds allocated memory boundaries, causing heap corruption that can be leveraged for memory corruption attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory access beyond allocated buffers. The attack vector operates through a remote code execution scenario where a user's browser is tricked into loading malicious content that exploits the memory corruption to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15416 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution within the browser sandbox. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack chains that may include information disclosure, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059 for command and script injection, as attackers could leverage the heap corruption to execute malicious payloads. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction once a victim visits the malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised web environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15416 primarily focus on immediate remediation through Chrome version updates to 63.0.3239.84 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the heap buffer overflow condition. Security administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies that prioritize browser updates, particularly for enterprise environments where users may be exposed to untrusted web content. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing content security policies, and utilizing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary Blob API usage in restricted environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify potentially affected systems and ensure complete remediation across all user environments.