CVE-2011-2761 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome 14.0.794.0 does not properly handle a reload of a page generated in response to a POST, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted web site, related to GetWidget methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2761 affects Google Chrome version 14.0.794.0 and represents a denial of service flaw stemming from improper handling of page reloads in response to POST requests. This issue manifests when Chrome encounters a web page generated through a POST method and subsequently reloads it, creating a scenario where malicious actors can trigger application instability. The flaw specifically relates to how Chrome processes GetWidget methods during these reload operations, leading to potential application crashes that constitute a denial of service condition.
This vulnerability operates within the broader context of web browser security and represents a classic example of improper resource handling in client-side applications. The technical implementation flaw occurs during the browser's handling of HTTP POST responses and subsequent reload mechanisms, where the GetWidget methods fail to properly manage state transitions or memory allocation during page refresh operations. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote attack since it requires a user to navigate to a malicious website containing crafted content, but the attack itself does not require user interaction beyond the initial visit to the compromised site. This categorization places the vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" and potentially "Resource Exhaustion" as the crash results from improper handling of browser resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it can be leveraged to disrupt user browsing sessions and potentially serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks. When Chrome crashes due to this flaw, users experience immediate disruption of their browsing experience, with the browser requiring restart to resume normal operations. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple browser sessions and its ability to trigger crashes through simple page reloads makes it particularly concerning for both individual users and enterprise environments where browser stability is critical. Security researchers have noted that such denial of service conditions can be exploited to create persistent disruptions or may be combined with other vulnerabilities to establish more complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2761 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and patch management, as Google released subsequent versions that addressed this specific handling of POST request reloads. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated to versions that resolve this vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains that may host exploit code for this vulnerability. The implementation of browser hardening techniques, such as disabling unnecessary browser features and implementing strict content security policies, can further reduce the attack surface. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with various security standards including iso 27001 and nist 800-53 requirements for vulnerability management and incident response. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual browser crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's behavior is consistent with specific crash signatures that can be identified through system monitoring tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource management in web browser architectures, particularly when handling state transitions between different HTTP request methods.