CVE-2011-2800 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 allows remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information about client-side redirect targets via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2800 represents a significant information disclosure flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 13.0.782.107. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of client-side redirects within the browser's navigation system, creating a scenario where malicious websites can potentially extract sensitive information about redirect targets that users might encounter during web browsing activities. The flaw specifically affects the browser's ability to properly isolate and protect information related to redirect operations, exposing data that should remain private to the user's browsing context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Chrome's handling of HTTP redirects and the subsequent processing of redirect information within the browser's security model. When a user visits a malicious website, the attacker can craft specific web content that leverages Chrome's redirect mechanisms to infer information about the targets of client-side redirects. This occurs because the browser's security boundaries are not properly maintained during redirect processing, allowing information leakage that could reveal details about the intended destination of redirects, potentially including internal network addresses, file paths, or other sensitive data that should remain hidden from external web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to build detailed profiles of user navigation patterns and potentially identify sensitive targets within corporate or personal networks. The vulnerability affects all Chrome users running versions earlier than 13.0.782.107, making it particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption and the browser's role as a primary interface for internet access. Attackers could exploit this flaw to gain intelligence about user activities, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks targeting specific redirect destinations or network configurations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how improper handling of redirect operations can create information leakage pathways. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.001, which covers "Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols," as it involves the exploitation of web protocol handling mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as a client-side information disclosure makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users access both public and private networks, as it could expose internal system information to external attackers. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to prevent exploitation, while security teams should monitor for potential indicators of compromise related to this specific vulnerability. The remediation process involves updating to Chrome version 13.0.782.107 or later, which implements proper isolation mechanisms for redirect information processing, ensuring that sensitive redirect target data remains protected from unauthorized access by malicious web content.