CVE-2011-1808 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 12.0.742.91 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to incorrect integer calculations during float handling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1808 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 12.0.742.91 that specifically targets the browser's float handling mechanisms. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory locations that have already been freed, creating potential pathways for malicious exploitation. The issue manifests during incorrect integer calculations within the float processing subsystem, which is a fundamental component of web browser rendering engines responsible for handling mathematical operations and graphical elements. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed, making it a prime target for exploitation techniques that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating floating-point arithmetic operations to trigger integer calculation errors that subsequently lead to memory management failures. Attackers can craft malicious web content that, when processed by the vulnerable Chrome browser, causes the application to perform incorrect integer operations during float handling. This misbehavior results in memory being freed prematurely while the application continues to reference those locations, creating a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution or denial of service attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as indicated in the original description, potentially allowing for more severe consequences including complete system compromise through memory corruption exploitation techniques.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex mathematical processing within browser environments, particularly when dealing with floating-point number representations and integer overflow conditions. The attack surface is significant as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for end users who may encounter malicious content while browsing the internet. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that can manipulate the browser's float handling routines to force memory management errors, which aligns with attack patterns found in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that exploitation could lead to privilege escalation or information disclosure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2011-1808 include immediate deployment of Chrome version 12.0.742.91 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer calculation errors in float handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies that ensure all systems receive security patches promptly, particularly for critical vulnerabilities that affect widely used applications like web browsers. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known malicious patterns associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the need for robust memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications that process mathematical operations and handle user-provided data. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual browser behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the use-after-free condition can be difficult to detect through traditional security measures alone.