CVE-2011-1794 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the FilterEffect::copyImageBytes function in platform/graphics/filters/FilterEffect.cpp in the SVG filter implementation in WebCore in WebKit in Google Chrome before 11.0.696.65 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted dimensions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1794 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the WebKit rendering engine's SVG filter implementation. This flaw exists in the FilterEffect::copyImageBytes function located in platform/graphics/filters/FilterEffect.cpp, which is part of WebCore's graphics processing subsystem. The vulnerability specifically affects Google Chrome versions prior to 11.0.696.65, making it a significant concern for users operating outdated browser versions. The integer overflow occurs when processing crafted SVG filter dimensions, creating a scenario where malicious input can manipulate memory allocation calculations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SVG filter processing pipeline. When WebKit encounters SVG filter elements with specially crafted dimensions, the FilterEffect::copyImageBytes function performs calculations that can exceed the maximum value representable by the integer data type. This overflow condition results in incorrect memory allocation sizes, which can lead to buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. The vulnerability manifests as an integer overflow in the context of image processing operations where dimensions are used to calculate memory requirements for filter effects. According to CWE-190, this represents a classic integer overflow scenario that can lead to memory corruption and unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more serious security consequences. Remote attackers can trigger application crashes through carefully constructed SVG filter elements, effectively creating a denial of service attack vector that can disrupt user browsing sessions. However, the vulnerability's potential for more severe consequences cannot be ruled out, as the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest possibilities for code execution or privilege escalation. The attack requires no special privileges and can be executed through web content, making it particularly dangerous in the context of web-based attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution or system compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks in complex graphics processing pipelines within web browsers. SVG filter processing involves sophisticated mathematical operations and memory management that, when not properly validated, can create security entry points for attackers. The vulnerability's location within WebCore's graphics subsystem indicates that the issue affects the core rendering capabilities of the browser, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to compromise user systems. The integer overflow specifically affects the handling of image dimensions during filter operations, where the multiplication or addition of dimension values can exceed the integer limits. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities in graphics processing libraries are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through standard web content and do not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue in the initial assessment suggests that it primarily impacts availability rather than confidentiality or integrity, though the unspecified other impacts indicate potential for more severe consequences. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to patched versions of Chrome to mitigate this vulnerability, as the integer overflow can be exploited in various web-based attack scenarios. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in graphics processing libraries and the need for comprehensive testing of mathematical operations that involve user-provided data.