CVE-2011-1188 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 10.0.648.127 does not properly handle counter nodes, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1188 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 10.0.648.127. This flaw specifically relates to the browser's handling of counter nodes, which are used in css styling to manage numbering systems such as ordered lists and chapter headings. The improper management of these counter nodes creates a condition where remote attackers can manipulate the browser's memory structures through carefully crafted web content, potentially leading to system instability or more severe consequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and handling of counter node structures within Chrome's rendering engine. When processing web pages containing maliciously constructed counter node references, the browser fails to properly validate input parameters and memory allocation boundaries. This allows attackers to manipulate the counter node management system in ways that can corrupt memory structures or trigger unexpected behavior within the browser's memory management subsystem. The flaw operates at the intersection of web rendering and memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the primary effect manifests as memory corruption leading to browser crashes or instability, the underlying memory management flaw could theoretically be exploited to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest potential for more severe consequences including information disclosure or system compromise. This vulnerability affects users of older Chrome versions who may not have received automatic updates, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting web browsers.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader browser security frameworks and attack patterns. The flaw aligns with common attack techniques described in the attack tree model where memory corruption vulnerabilities represent high-value targets for exploit development. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, as the improper handling of counter nodes leads to memory access violations. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly wide given that any web page could potentially contain malicious counter node references, making it a preferred target for drive-by download attacks and other web-based exploitation techniques. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to prevent exploitation and maintain browser security hygiene.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Chrome updates to version 10.0.648.127 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for counter node handling. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains while maintaining visibility into browser usage patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the importance of keeping browsers updated and avoiding suspicious websites remains critical. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in browser rendering engines, highlighting the need for continuous security monitoring and proactive vulnerability management programs.