CVE-2011-1194 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Google Chrome before 10.0.648.127 allow remote attackers to bypass the pop-up blocker via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1194 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 10.0.648.127, specifically targeting the browser's pop-up blocking mechanism. This issue falls under the category of browser security bypass vulnerabilities that could potentially allow malicious actors to circumvent fundamental security controls designed to protect users from unwanted advertisements and potentially harmful content. The unspecified nature of the exact vectors involved suggests that multiple attack paths existed within the browser's implementation of its pop-up blocking feature, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat assessment perspective.
The technical flaw manifests in the browser's inability to properly enforce its pop-up blocking policies, creating opportunities for remote attackers to execute unauthorized pop-up windows that would normally be blocked by the browser's security mechanisms. This bypass occurs through mechanisms that are not fully documented in the initial vulnerability report, indicating that the flaw likely involves complex interactions between the browser's JavaScript execution environment, DOM manipulation capabilities, and its security sandbox implementation. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the browser's user interface and content rendering subsystems, potentially leveraging race conditions or improper validation of user interactions that should be restricted by the pop-up blocker.
From an operational impact standpoint, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for end users who may be exposed to unwanted advertisements, phishing attempts, or malicious content that would normally be prevented by the browser's security features. The bypass allows attackers to display pop-up windows without user consent, potentially leading to social engineering attacks, malware distribution, or other malicious activities that exploit the trust users place in their browser's security controls. The attack surface extends beyond simple annoyance to include potential data exfiltration, credential harvesting, or system compromise through malicious pop-up content. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model and undermines user confidence in the effectiveness of built-in protection mechanisms.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Google Chrome version 10.0.648.127 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the pop-up blocking bypass mechanisms. System administrators should ensure all users maintain current browser versions and implement regular update policies to protect against similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations may consider implementing network-level controls such as content filtering solutions or browser hardening measures that provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of browser security features. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this issue aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and maps to attack techniques in the attack tree that involve privilege escalation or security bypass through application-level flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the importance of browser security features and the risks associated with outdated software versions.