CVE-2011-2784 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a request for the GL program log, which reveals a local path in an unspecified log entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2784 represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 13.0.782.107. This issue arises from the browser's handling of OpenGL program logs, specifically when processing graphics rendering operations that involve WebGL or other graphics-intensive web applications. The vulnerability manifests when the browser encounters a request for OpenGL program log information, which inadvertently exposes local file system paths through unspecified log entries. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security concern as it provides attackers with potentially sensitive system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within Chrome's graphics processing subsystem. When the browser processes WebGL or other graphics-related operations, it generates program logs that contain diagnostic information. In affected versions, these logs were not properly sanitized to remove local path information, allowing attackers to craft specific requests that would trigger the disclosure of system paths. This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and demonstrates poor separation between internal system paths and externally visible information. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the browser's graphics rendering engine, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities without requiring special privileges or local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as local path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gather intelligence about the target system's file structure, which may reveal operating system details, user home directories, and potentially sensitive application paths. This information can be leveraged to craft more targeted attacks, such as directory traversal attempts or exploitation of other vulnerabilities that may exist at those discovered paths. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through malicious web pages without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users may encounter untrusted content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2784 primarily involve updating to Google Chrome version 13.0.782.107 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the information disclosure issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the update promptly. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web application firewalls or content filtering solutions that monitor for suspicious requests related to graphics processing operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output filtering in security-critical applications, particularly those handling graphics-related data. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns in graphics-related API calls or log file access attempts, as this may indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through web-based attacks and T1082 for system information discovery, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat it presents.