CVE-2011-0470 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 8.0.552.237 and Chrome OS before 8.0.552.344 do not properly handle extensions notification, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0470 represents a significant denial of service weakness in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 8.0.552.237 and Chrome OS versions before 8.0.552.344. This flaw specifically pertains to the improper handling of extension notifications within the browser's architecture, creating a pathway for remote attackers to deliberately crash applications through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical oversight in Chrome's extension management system where notification processing lacks proper validation mechanisms, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit this gap and disrupt normal browser operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within Chrome's extension notification subsystem. When Chrome processes extension notifications, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the notification data structures, creating opportunities for malformed or maliciously crafted notifications to trigger unexpected behavior in the browser's execution environment. This flaw operates at the intersection of browser extension architecture and memory management, where improper handling of extension-related events can lead to memory corruption or invalid pointer dereferences that ultimately result in application crashes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions, as the improper notification handling can lead to memory corruption scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0470 extends beyond simple application instability, as it enables remote attackers to perform denial of service attacks against targeted users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious extension notifications that, when processed by the vulnerable Chrome versions, cause the browser to crash and terminate unexpectedly. This creates a persistent threat vector where users may experience frequent browser interruptions, potentially disrupting their productivity and access to web-based services. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may be browsing untrusted websites or downloading extensions from third-party sources.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1211, which involves exploiting weaknesses in software to achieve privilege escalation or denial of service outcomes. The exploitation process typically involves delivering malicious extension notifications through compromised websites or malicious extensions, which are then processed by the vulnerable browser versions. The attack surface is broadened by Chrome's extension ecosystem, where users may unknowingly install extensions that contain malicious notification components. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, particularly in environments where Chrome is used extensively and where users may encounter untrusted content or extensions from unknown sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0470 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates, with users urged to upgrade to Chrome versions 8.0.552.237 or later and Chrome OS versions 8.0.552.344 or later. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary extensions, restricting extension installation permissions, and monitoring browser processes for unusual behavior patterns. Network-level protections can be implemented through web filtering solutions that block suspicious extension downloads or notifications from untrusted sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates how seemingly minor architectural flaws in extension handling can create significant security risks for end users and organizations alike.