CVE-2011-2786 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 does not ensure that the speech-input bubble is shown on the product s screen, which might make it easier for remote attackers to make audio recordings via a crafted web page containing an INPUT element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2786 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 13.0.782.107 that affects the browser's handling of speech input functionality. This issue stems from the browser's failure to properly validate and enforce the display of speech input bubbles on the screen, creating a potential vector for unauthorized audio recording activities. The vulnerability specifically impacts the speech recognition features that were being implemented in web browsers, which were becoming increasingly prevalent as web applications began to leverage voice interaction capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests when a crafted web page containing an INPUT element with speech input capabilities is loaded in the affected browser version. The browser's speech input bubble, which should normally appear on screen to indicate that audio input is active, fails to display properly. This malfunction allows remote attackers to exploit the speech recognition system without proper user awareness or consent. The vulnerability essentially creates a scenario where audio recording can occur in the background without visual confirmation to the user, making it difficult to detect malicious activity. The underlying issue relates to improper validation of the speech input UI element, where the browser fails to ensure that the necessary visual feedback mechanisms are properly executed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to user privacy and security as it enables covert audio recording through web browsers. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit this flaw to capture audio input without users being aware of the recording activity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the browser level and can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult for users to protect themselves. The attack vector requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, as it leverages existing web technologies and browser features that are normally considered safe. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may be browsing untrusted websites or where social engineering tactics are employed to direct users to malicious pages.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-693, which addresses protection mechanism failures, and represents a specific instance where the browser's security controls for user interaction are insufficient. It also relates to ATT&CK technique T1173, which covers the use of web shell or browser-based attack vectors. The flaw demonstrates a critical oversight in the browser's user interface security model, where visual feedback mechanisms that should alert users to active input sessions are not properly enforced. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations by updating to Chrome version 13.0.782.107 or later, which includes proper validation of speech input bubbles. Additionally, users should exercise caution when browsing untrusted websites and consider disabling speech input functionality in web browsers when not actively needed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper UI validation in security-critical applications and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of user interaction components.