CVE-2011-0481 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Google Chrome before 8.0.552.237 and Chrome OS before 8.0.552.344 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to PDF shading.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0481 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 8.0.552.237 and Chrome OS versions before 8.0.552.344. This security issue stems from improper handling of PDF shading operations within the browser's PDF rendering engine, specifically impacting how the application processes certain graphical elements in PDF documents. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters malformed or specially crafted PDF shading data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries during processing. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and graphical rendering, creating a potential attack surface where remote adversaries can exploit the buffer overflow to manipulate memory contents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's handling of PDF shading objects which are used to create smooth color transitions and gradients in PDF documents. When Chrome processes these shading elements, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of the shading data, allowing attackers to craft PDF files containing oversized or malformed shading components. The buffer overflow occurs in the memory management routines responsible for allocating space for these graphical elements, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient space is allocated for data, and aligns with the broader class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that compromise system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0481 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the primary effect involves system instability and browser crashes, the buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for remote code execution in certain circumstances. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the browser process memory space, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector relies on social engineering techniques where victims must visit compromised websites or open malicious PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted content. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of web browsers as attack vectors for executing malicious code through compromised web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0481 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome browsers to versions 8.0.552.237 or later, and Chrome OS to 8.0.552.344 or higher, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing content filtering solutions that scan PDF documents before rendering can provide defense in depth. Browser security configurations should include disabling unnecessary PDF rendering features and implementing strict sandboxing policies. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious PDF content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption attacks, reinforcing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in browser environments.