CVE-2011-1186 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 10.0.648.127 on Linux does not properly handle parallel execution of calls to the print method, which might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via crafted JavaScript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1186 represents a significant denial of service weakness in Google Chrome versions prior to 10.0.648.127 on Linux systems. This flaw specifically targets the browser's handling of parallel execution scenarios involving the print method, creating a condition where malicious JavaScript code can trigger application instability. The vulnerability stems from insufficient synchronization mechanisms within Chrome's print functionality, allowing concurrent access patterns that lead to memory corruption and subsequent application crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's threading model and resource management during print operations. When multiple print method calls are executed simultaneously, Chrome's internal handling mechanisms fail to properly coordinate these parallel processes, resulting in race conditions that corrupt memory structures or cause invalid memory access patterns. This behavior aligns with CWE-362, which describes concurrent execution issues leading to race conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-121, concerning stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can occur during improper memory management. The flaw manifests when JavaScript code specifically designed to trigger multiple print operations concurrently, overwhelming the browser's print subsystem with overlapping execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to repeatedly crash Chrome instances, effectively creating a denial of service condition that prevents legitimate users from accessing web content. The Linux-specific nature of this vulnerability suggests that the underlying operating system threading model or memory management patterns interact with Chrome's implementation in ways that expose this particular weakness. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that automatically trigger multiple print operations, causing the browser to crash repeatedly and rendering the affected system temporarily unusable for web browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1186 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions that address the parallel execution handling issues. System administrators should prioritize patching affected Chrome installations to version 10.0.648.127 or later, which includes proper synchronization mechanisms for print method calls. Additionally, implementing browser security policies that restrict JavaScript execution capabilities and monitoring for unusual print method usage patterns can provide additional defense layers. Organizations should consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious JavaScript patterns targeting this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this weakness under T1499, specifically targeting denial of service through application or system manipulation, and T1059 for the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code. Network-level protections should include monitoring for repeated print method calls from suspicious sources and implementing rate limiting to prevent abuse of this particular vulnerability.