CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2016-1646Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Google Chromium V8 Out-of-Bounds Read

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2016-1646 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Debian Linux from Debian, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Debian Linux versions: 8.0; 9.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on June 8, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update Chrome to 49.0.2623.108 or a later version.
  2. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  3. Read the advisory on googlechromereleases.blogspot.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  4. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  5. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
DebianDebian Linux8.0; 9.0Not stated
CanonicalUbuntu Linux14.04; 15.10; 16.04Not stated
GoogleChromebefore 49.0.2623.10849.0.2623.108
SUSEPackage HubNot specified in the recordNot stated
openSUSELeap42.1Not stated
openSUSEOpensuse13.1Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux Desktop6.0Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux EUS6.7Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux Server6.0Not stated
Red HatEnterprise Linux Workstation6.0Not stated

Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.18.8HighCISA (ADP)
CVSS 2.09.3HighNVD

Official description

The Array.prototype.concat implementation in builtins.cc in Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 49.0.2623.108, does not properly consider element data types, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JavaScript code.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read

The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.

More Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities (CWE-125)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Patches and release notes

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in Debian Linux

All Debian Linux vulnerabilities

Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities

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