CVE-2011-0776 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The sandbox implementation in Google Chrome before 9.0.597.84 on Mac OS X might allow remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information about local files via vectors related to the stat system call.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0776 represents a sandbox escape mechanism within Google Chrome's security architecture on macOS platforms. This flaw exists in versions prior to 9.0.597.84 and specifically targets the sandbox implementation that is designed to isolate web content from the underlying operating system. The sandbox serves as a critical security boundary that prevents malicious web content from accessing sensitive system resources, including local files and directories that could contain confidential information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the stat system call within the browser's sandbox environment. The stat system call is a fundamental POSIX function used to retrieve file status information including file size, permissions, and timestamps. In the context of this vulnerability, attackers can craft malicious web content that leverages the sandbox's incomplete implementation to make stat calls that would normally be restricted. This allows the malicious code to gather metadata about local files that should remain hidden from web content, effectively creating a information disclosure channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Chrome's security model. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially enumerate file systems, identify the presence of specific files or directories, and gather enough information to plan more sophisticated attacks. This could lead to the discovery of sensitive user data, system configuration files, or even files containing authentication credentials. The vulnerability particularly affects macOS users because the specific implementation differences between macOS and other operating systems create unique attack vectors that don't exist in other platforms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper output sanitization, and represents a classic case of insufficient sandbox isolation. The attack pattern follows techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal, as attackers could use the information gathered to further compromise systems. The exploitation requires no special privileges and can be executed through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users frequently visit untrusted websites.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves updating to Chrome version 9.0.597.84 or later, which includes fixes to the sandbox implementation that properly restrict the stat system call behavior. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious web traffic patterns. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and maintaining up-to-date security patches should also be considered as part of a comprehensive defense strategy. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify potential sandbox bypass vulnerabilities and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to quickly deploy security updates.