CVE-2011-2785 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The extensions implementation in Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 does not properly validate the URL for the home page, which allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via a crafted extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2785 resides within the extensions implementation of Google Chrome browser versions prior to 13.0.782.107. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the browser's extension management system where the application fails to adequately validate the home page URL specified within extension manifests. The improper validation mechanism creates a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries to manipulate the browser's behavior through maliciously crafted extensions. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20 indicates a weakness in input validation, specifically concerning the handling of URL parameters within the extension installation process. This issue directly impacts the browser's security model by potentially allowing unauthorized modification of extension behavior and user navigation.
The technical flaw manifests when Chrome processes extension manifests that contain maliciously crafted home page URLs. The browser's validation logic does not sufficiently sanitize or verify the format and destination of these URLs, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary endpoints that could redirect users or execute malicious code. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries and extension trust models, where legitimate extensions could be modified to perform unintended actions. The unspecified impact mentioned in the description suggests that the consequences could range from phishing attacks to privilege escalation, depending on how the malformed URL is exploited. Attackers could leverage this weakness to redirect users to malicious sites, inject harmful content, or potentially gain deeper system access through social engineering combined with the extension's elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser manipulation to encompass broader security implications for users and organizations. When exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise user data, redirect traffic to malicious endpoints, or establish persistent access points through compromised extensions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption and the typical elevated privileges that extensions possess within the browser environment. This weakness could be particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where browser extensions are commonly deployed for productivity or security purposes. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to data exfiltration, credential theft, or the installation of additional malicious software through user redirection. The lack of specific impact details in the original description suggests that the attack could potentially be leveraged for multiple malicious purposes depending on the attacker's objectives and the specific URL manipulation techniques employed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2785 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 13.0.782.107 or later where the validation mechanism has been properly implemented. Users should also exercise extreme caution when installing browser extensions, particularly from untrusted sources, and regularly audit their installed extensions for suspicious behavior. Organizations should implement browser security policies that restrict extension installation to approved sources and maintain regular patching schedules. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1176 which addresses the installation of malicious browser extensions as a means of persistence. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual extension behavior and URL redirection patterns. System administrators should consider implementing extension whitelisting policies and regularly review browser extension permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation flaws can create significant security risks in widely deployed software systems.