CVE-2011-1439 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 11.0.696.57 on Linux does not properly isolate renderer processes, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1439 represents a critical process isolation flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 11.0.696.57 on Linux operating systems. This issue stems from inadequate sandboxing mechanisms that fail to properly separate the browser's renderer processes from the underlying operating system, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insufficient process isolation, which is classified as CWE-279 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The improper isolation allows for potential privilege escalation and unauthorized system access through compromised renderer processes.
The technical flaw manifests in the browser's architecture where renderer processes, which handle the display and execution of web content, do not maintain proper boundaries with the system's core operations. In Linux environments, this means that malicious code executed within a renderer process could potentially access system resources, files, and processes that should remain isolated from web content execution. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security model of the browser, undermining the sandboxing principles that are essential for preventing malicious code from compromising the host system. This flaw enables attackers to leverage remote code execution capabilities through web-based attacks, making it a significant threat vector for users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, as it fundamentally compromises the security assurances provided by modern browser architectures. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, access sensitive user data, or escalate privileges to gain deeper system control. The unspecified nature of the impact and attack vectors in the original description indicates that multiple exploitation paths exist, including but not limited to cross-site scripting attacks, malicious web page delivery, and social engineering campaigns. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation, as the compromised renderer processes could be leveraged for these attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1439 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Google Chrome version 11.0.696.57 or later, which includes proper renderer process isolation mechanisms. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Additional mitigations include enabling browser sandboxing features, restricting user permissions, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. Security administrators should also consider deploying web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and highlights the necessity of robust process isolation mechanisms in modern browser security architectures, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.