CVE-2011-1304 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 11.0.696.57 allows remote attackers to bypass the pop-up blocker via vectors related to plug-ins.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1304 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 11.0.696.57 that specifically targets the browser's pop-up blocking mechanism. This issue falls under the broader category of browser security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to circumvent fundamental protective measures designed to prevent unwanted advertisements and potentially malicious content from appearing in user sessions. The vulnerability is classified as unspecified, indicating that the exact technical details of how the bypass occurs were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting, though it is clearly related to the interaction between browser plugins and the pop-up blocking system.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of plugin behavior within the browser environment, allowing attackers to execute pop-ups that would normally be blocked by Chrome's built-in protection mechanisms. This occurs because the browser's plugin handling system fails to properly validate or restrict plugin-generated content against established pop-up blocking policies. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it undermines one of the most basic and widely implemented security features in web browsers, potentially enabling malicious actors to deliver unwanted content, phishing attempts, or other harmful materials to users without their knowledge or consent.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for end users who rely on Chrome's pop-up blocker to protect against intrusive advertising and potential security threats. Attackers can exploit this weakness to deliver malicious pop-ups that bypass user protection mechanisms, potentially leading to drive-by downloads, credential harvesting, or redirection to malicious websites. The attack vector specifically involves the interaction between browser plugins and the pop-up blocking system, making it particularly dangerous as plugins are commonly used components in modern web browsing and often have elevated privileges within the browser environment. This vulnerability could be leveraged in combination with other attack techniques to create more sophisticated phishing campaigns or malware distribution methods.
The security implications extend beyond simple pop-up bypass, as this vulnerability represents a failure in the browser's security model and could potentially be used as a stepping stone for more complex attacks. It demonstrates the importance of maintaining comprehensive security testing across all browser components, particularly those that interact with external plugins and third-party content. This flaw aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tactics and techniques framework where adversaries attempt to bypass client-side security controls to establish a foothold in user environments. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security updates and the importance of keeping browser software current to protect against known exploits. Organizations should ensure that their security policies include mandatory browser updates and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability type is categorized under CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and improper handling of resources, and it relates to the broader class of privilege escalation and access control bypass vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects a core browser functionality that is expected to provide consistent protection across all user sessions. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments and implementing browser hardening measures. The remediation approach requires immediate deployment of Chrome version 11.0.696.57 or later, which includes fixes addressing the plugin interaction issues that enabled the pop-up bypass. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional layers of protection such as browser security extensions or network-based filtering solutions to provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities that may not be immediately patched.