CVE-2011-1302 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1302 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the graphics processing component of Google Chrome browser versions prior to 10.0.648.205. This flaw exists within the GPU process which handles graphics rendering operations and is particularly dangerous due to its remote exploitation potential. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected GPU process operates with elevated privileges during graphics rendering operations, making successful exploitation particularly severe as it could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves improper memory management within Chrome's GPU subsystem where attacker-controlled input data can cause buffer overflows in heap-allocated memory regions. When Chrome processes graphics content through its GPU process, malicious input can trigger memory corruption that allows attackers to overwrite critical data structures or executable code. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the application fails to properly validate input size before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect execution flow. The attack vector remains unspecified in the original CVE description, which is common for zero-day vulnerabilities where the exact exploitation method is not yet publicly documented but the underlying memory corruption is understood.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1302 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant escalation of privileges vulnerability within a widely deployed browser application. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GPU process, which typically runs with higher privileges than regular browser processes. This could enable attackers to bypass standard operating system security mechanisms, install persistent backdoors, or escalate to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects millions of users since Google Chrome was one of the most widely used web browsers at the time, making this a prime target for nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations. The remote nature of the exploit means that users could be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or viewing compromised content without any user interaction beyond normal browsing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1302 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Google Chrome version 10.0.648.205 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser hardening techniques such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and data execution prevention mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help reduce exposure by blocking known malicious domains. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual GPU process behavior or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and implementing automated patch management systems to prevent similar issues from affecting other browser components or related applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution through memory corruption, specifically targeting the browser process and GPU subsystem components that are frequently targeted in advanced persistent threat campaigns.