CVE-2011-1301 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the GPU process in Google Chrome before 10.0.648.205 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2011-1301 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw located within the graphics processing unit process of Google Chrome browser version 10.0.648.204 and earlier. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed, creating a dangerous condition where attackers can manipulate program execution flow by exploiting the dangling pointer. The vulnerability exists within the GPU process, which handles graphics rendering operations and is a separate process from the main browser thread, making it particularly concerning as it operates with elevated privileges and can potentially bypass standard browser security mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unspecified attack vectors that leverage the improper memory management within Chrome's GPU subsystem. When the GPU process handles certain graphics operations, it may free memory resources that are subsequently accessed by malicious code, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute malicious payloads. This particular flaw demonstrates how complex modern browsers with multiple isolated processes can still contain memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited across process boundaries, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a significant threat to user security and privacy. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, execute malicious code with the privileges of the GPU process, and potentially escalate privileges to the full user account. The remote nature of the attack means that users could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the execution of arbitrary code through memory corruption allows for command injection and system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1301 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates, as Google released Chrome version 10.0.648.205 to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly, as this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as sandboxing, privilege separation, and process isolation should be maintained to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. Network security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering can provide additional layers of protection by blocking access to known malicious sites that might exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious network activity and system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the use-after-free condition creates detectable patterns in memory usage and process behavior that security teams can monitor for.