CVE-2011-1195 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 10.0.648.127 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to "document script lifetime handling."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1195 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 10.0.648.127, classified under CWE-416 as improper free or release of memory. This vulnerability specifically affects the document script lifetime handling mechanism within the browser's JavaScript engine, creating a scenario where memory allocated to script objects becomes accessible after being freed, potentially allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The flaw occurs when the browser fails to properly manage the lifecycle of JavaScript objects, particularly during document manipulation operations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited through carefully crafted web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves remote attackers constructing malicious web pages that trigger the improper memory management during document script lifetime handling. When Chrome processes such content, the JavaScript engine attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed, creating a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems through web-based attacks. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially allow full system compromise, as demonstrated by the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1195 is significant for organizations relying on older Chrome versions, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vulnerability affects the browser's core rendering engine and JavaScript processing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to target systems. Organizations running affected Chrome versions face potential data breaches, system compromises, and unauthorized access to sensitive information, with the risk persisting until the vulnerability is patched through software updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1195 primarily focus on immediate software patching and browser updates to the latest stable versions of Chrome. Security administrators should implement mandatory update policies to ensure all systems are running patched versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple web navigation without user interaction. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, browser security extensions, and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated browser versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all browser components updated, as it demonstrates how flaws in core JavaScript engines can create widespread security risks across multiple attack vectors.