CVE-2011-1815 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 12.0.742.91 allows remote attackers to inject script into a tab page via vectors related to extensions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1815 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 12.0.742.91, specifically affecting the browser's handling of extension-related content within tab pages. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter malicious script content injected through extension interfaces. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the trust relationship between Chrome's core browser components and its extension architecture, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's tab page.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted extension content that bypasses Chrome's security boundaries. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating malicious extensions that contain embedded scripts designed to inject malicious code into tab pages when users interact with the browser. The vulnerability's root cause aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly handled during web page generation. The flaw specifically manifests when Chrome processes extension metadata or content that includes script tags or executable code fragments, failing to sanitize these inputs before rendering them within the tab context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to user security and privacy, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of legitimate browsing sessions. The impact extends beyond simple script injection, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. The attack vector leverages the extension ecosystem's trust model, where users typically grant extensions elevated privileges without fully understanding the potential security implications. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through command-line interfaces, and T1566.001, which involves spearphishing with embedded attachments, as both techniques exploit trust relationships and injection mechanisms.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1815 primarily focus on updating to Chrome version 12.0.742.91 or later, which incorporates enhanced input validation and sanitization mechanisms for extension content. Additionally, users should exercise extreme caution when installing browser extensions, particularly those from untrusted sources, and regularly review installed extensions for suspicious behavior. Security administrators should implement browser hardening policies that restrict extension installation and monitor for unusual extension activity patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and understanding that extension ecosystems, while providing valuable functionality, also introduce additional attack surfaces that require careful management and monitoring. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to add additional layers of protection against similar injection attacks targeting browser components.