CVE-2011-1298 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
An Integer Overflow exists in WebKit in Google Chrome before Blink M11 in the macOS WebCore::GraphicsContext::fillRect function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1298 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the WebKit rendering engine that was prevalent in Google Chrome versions prior to the Blink rendering engine transition in version 11. This flaw specifically resides in the WebCore::GraphicsContext::fillRect function, which is responsible for rendering filled rectangular areas within web page graphics. The integer overflow occurs when processing certain graphical operations that involve large numerical values, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in memory allocation and processing. The vulnerability manifests in the macOS implementation of Chrome's WebKit engine, making it particularly concerning for users of Apple operating systems who were running affected versions of the browser.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the graphics rendering subsystem where the application fails to properly check for integer overflow conditions when calculating memory requirements for graphical operations. When malicious web content attempts to render extremely large rectangles or performs operations that result in integer wraparound, the system allocates insufficient memory or performs invalid memory operations. This condition creates a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution, as the overflow can corrupt memory structures and potentially allow attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of graphics processing and memory management within the browser's rendering pipeline, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring local privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1298 extends beyond simple rendering failures, as it represents a serious security risk that could enable remote code execution on vulnerable systems. Attackers could craft malicious web pages that exploit this integer overflow to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Chrome browser process. This would allow for complete compromise of the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects users running Chrome versions before the Blink engine transition, which was a significant period in browser development history, and represents one of the early examples of how graphics rendering components could contain critical security flaws. The impact is particularly severe given that web browsers serve as primary attack vectors in most modern computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate software updates to Chrome versions that have transitioned to the Blink rendering engine, which addressed the underlying integer overflow conditions in the graphics processing subsystem. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected browser installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security features such as sandboxing, which limits the potential damage from successful exploits, and deploying web content filters that can detect and block known malicious patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which classifies this as a fundamental programming error in input validation. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the attack technique of code injection within the web application attack surface, demonstrating how graphics processing components can become entry points for sophisticated cyber attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.