CVE-2011-1801 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 11.0.696.71 allows remote attackers to bypass the pop-up blocker via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1801 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 11.0.696.71 that specifically undermines the browser's pop-up blocker functionality. This issue falls under the category of browser security bypass vulnerabilities where malicious actors can exploit unknown vectors to circumvent built-in protection mechanisms designed to prevent unwanted pop-up windows. The pop-up blocker serves as a fundamental security feature that protects users from malicious advertisements, phishing attempts, and unwanted browser behavior that could lead to further security compromises. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that attackers could potentially leverage multiple attack surfaces within the browser's rendering engine or security architecture to achieve this bypass.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security architecture and user interface protection mechanisms, representing a failure in the browser's security model that allows unauthorized pop-up execution. The technical flaw likely resides in how Chrome processes window.open() calls or handles cross-origin navigation events that should normally be blocked by the pop-up blocker. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass one of the most basic yet essential browser security controls, potentially allowing for malicious pop-ups to execute without user consent or awareness. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-611, which addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, though the specific implementation details suggest a broader browser security bypass rather than XML-specific issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1801 extends beyond simple annoyance to serious security implications for users browsing the web. When pop-up blockers are bypassed, users become vulnerable to various attack vectors including drive-by downloads, malicious advertising networks, and phishing schemes that often rely on pop-up windows to deliver their payloads. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk for all affected Chrome users until they upgrade to version 11.0.696.71 or later, as the bypass can be exploited through various means including compromised websites, malicious advertisements, or social engineering campaigns that leverage the browser's trust model. This vulnerability also demonstrates how seemingly minor security controls can have significant implications when they fail, as the pop-up blocker serves as an additional layer of defense in the browser's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate browser updates to version 11.0.696.71 or later, which would include patches addressing the underlying security flaw in Chrome's pop-up blocking implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all users maintain current versions that contain security fixes. Security teams should also consider implementing additional network-level controls such as content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious pop-up behavior even when browser-level protections fail. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through browser-based attacks, specifically targeting the browser's user interface security controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of defense in depth strategies where multiple security layers protect against different attack vectors, as a failure in one control mechanism should not leave users completely exposed to subsequent threats.