CVE-2011-1435 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 11.0.696.57 does not properly implement the tabs permission for extensions, which allows remote attackers to read local files via a crafted extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1435 represents a critical access control flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 11.0.696.57. This issue stems from improper implementation of the tabs permission mechanism within the browser's extension architecture, creating a significant security gap that adversaries could exploit to gain unauthorized access to local system resources. The vulnerability specifically affects the extension permission model where the tabs permission should theoretically allow extensions to access tab information while maintaining proper isolation from local file systems. However, the implementation flaw enabled malicious extensions to circumvent these security boundaries and read arbitrary local files on the victim's system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted malicious extension that leverages the improper tabs permission handling to bypass normal file system access restrictions. When Chrome processes such an extension, the flawed permission implementation allows the malicious code to access local file paths that should normally be restricted to the extension's own sandboxed environment. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where an extension with tabs permission can effectively gain unauthorized read access to local files, potentially including sensitive user data, configuration files, or system information. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser extension security models and operating system file access controls, exploiting the gap between intended permission boundaries and actual implementation.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1435 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to construct more sophisticated attacks by gaining access to local files that could contain credentials, personal information, or system configuration details. This vulnerability particularly affects users who install extensions from untrusted sources or when extensions are compromised, as the malicious code can silently read local files without user consent or awareness. The attack vector typically involves the installation of a malicious extension that appears legitimate but contains hidden code designed to exploit this permission flaw. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through browser-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate updating of Chrome browsers to version 11.0.696.57 or later where the tabs permission implementation has been corrected. Organizations should implement strict extension approval processes and maintain comprehensive monitoring of installed extensions to detect potentially malicious activity. Users should regularly audit their installed extensions and remove any that appear suspicious or unnecessary. Browser security administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as extension whitelisting policies and regular security assessments of the browser environment. The fix addresses the core issue by properly enforcing the tabs permission boundaries and ensuring that extensions cannot access local file systems beyond their intended scope. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper permission handling in browser security models and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in complex software ecosystems.