CVE-2011-2795 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 does not prevent calls to functions in other frames, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted web site, related to a "cross-frame function leak."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2795 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 13.0.782.107, specifically addressing a cross-frame function leak that undermines the browser's security model. This issue exploits the browser's handling of frame-based JavaScript execution contexts, where functions defined in one frame can be inadvertently accessed from another frame, creating an unexpected pathway for privilege escalation. The vulnerability stems from Chrome's insufficient enforcement of the same-origin policy when managing cross-frame JavaScript interactions, allowing malicious code to bypass intended access controls that should prevent such cross-frame function calls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's JavaScript engine failing to properly isolate function contexts between different frames within the same origin. When a web page loads multiple frames or iframes, each context should maintain its own security boundaries, yet Chrome's implementation allowed functions defined in one frame to be accessible from another frame, particularly when both frames originated from the same domain. This cross-frame function leak enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by leveraging the leaked function references to access restricted resources or perform unauthorized operations. The flaw specifically affects how Chrome manages the JavaScript execution environment across frame boundaries, creating a scenario where the security model's intended isolation is compromised.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions, as it enables remote code execution through malicious websites without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised page. Attackers can craft web pages that exploit this cross-frame function leak to access sensitive data, manipulate browser functionality, or escalate privileges within the browser's security context. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to execute functions across frame boundaries can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, session hijacking, and potential system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's ability to enforce security boundaries, undermining the fundamental security architecture that separates different web content contexts.
The mitigation for CVE-2011-2795 involves upgrading to Google Chrome version 13.0.782.107 or later, which implements proper frame isolation mechanisms and enforces stricter access controls between different JavaScript execution contexts. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems and implement browser security policies that restrict frame-based content when possible. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution through browser-based attacks. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through web application firewalls and implement proper security headers to limit cross-frame interactions. The fix implemented by Google addresses the root cause by strengthening the JavaScript engine's frame context management and ensuring proper enforcement of the same-origin policy across all frame boundary interactions.
This vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures and highlights the importance of proper context isolation in preventing cross-site scripting and privilege escalation attacks. The remediation process requires not only updating the browser but also ensuring that web applications properly implement security measures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify potential exposure through outdated browser versions and implement monitoring for suspicious cross-frame activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix represents a fundamental improvement in Chrome's security model and serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure browser implementations against sophisticated attack vectors.