External risk intelligence

Google Chrome JavaScript Engine Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-1646

A vulnerability in a JavaScript engine could allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or other unspecified impacts by exploiting an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This matters because it affects organizations using affected web browsers, potentially leading to system unavailability and impacting business

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Read

Debian Linux

8.09.014.0415.1016.04before 49.0.2623.10842.113.16.06.7

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-1646

The vulnerability exists in a web browser's JavaScript engine (Google V8). While web browsers interact with the internet, they are client-side software applications. This vulnerability requires a user to navigate to a specifically crafted malicious website to be triggered, rather than being an internet-facing service or server-side component with a persistent public attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the JavaScript engine used by certain web browsers can lead to system instability or other impacts. This flaw stems from an issue in how the engine handles different types of element data, potentially allowing specially crafted JavaScript code to cause an out-of-bounds read. The consequence for organizations could include denial of service, affecting the availability of systems that rely on these browsers or the applications running within them.

  • Vulnerable JavaScript engine implementation
  • Improper handling of element data types
  • Denial of service or other impacts

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability in the JavaScript engine allows attackers to execute malicious code through crafted web pages. This could lead to a denial of service or other impacts on affected systems. The attack requires user interaction to visit a compromised website.

  • Exposure: Vulnerable JavaScript engine.
  • Attacker access: Malicious website.
  • Trigger and result: User visits site, leading to impact.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow attackers to cause a denial of service or potentially impact systems by exploiting a flaw in how certain data types are handled. Successful exploitation requires a user to interact with malicious content. The potential for system impact and the widespread use of affected software suggest a significant risk.

  • Attacker skill level: Likely low.
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious content.
  • Business risk or urgency: High; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The identified vulnerability could allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or potentially impact systems through crafted JavaScript code. This impacts organizations using affected Google V8 versions, potentially leading to system unavailability or data compromise. Understanding the scope of affected assets and promptly implementing vendor-provided solutions is crucial to mitigate business risk.

  • Identify all assets with affected software.
  • Reduce exposure by isolating risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related security incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Google V8 JavaScript engine and its function in web browsers?

Google V8 is a high-performance JavaScript engine developed by Google, primarily used to embed JavaScript execution into applications. Its most notable use is within the Google Chrome web browser, enabling interactive and dynamic web content through complex script execution.

What type of vulnerability does CVE-2016-1646 describe?

CVE-2016-1646 describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This weakness arises when a program accesses memory outside its allocated buffer, specifically within the Array.prototype.concat implementation in Google V8.

How can the CVE-2016-1646 vulnerability be triggered?

The vulnerability is triggered when a user visits a malicious website containing crafted JavaScript code. This code exploits the V8 engine's improper handling of element data types to cause an out-of-bounds read.

What is the relevance of CVE-2016-1646 for organizations, considering Halo Surface Signal data?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that CVE-2016-1646 is very unlikely to be exploited in an automated, internet-facing manner, as it requires user interaction via a crafted website. However, the vulnerability's impact could still affect systems relying on affected browsers or applications.

What are the recommended practical steps to address the CVE-2016-1646 vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all affected software assets, isolate risks where possible, and promptly apply vendor-provided updates. Validating the implementation of these fixes and monitoring for related security incidents are also critical steps.

References