CVE-2011-2805 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 13.0.782.107 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and conduct script injection attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2805 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 13.0.782.107 that fundamentally undermines the browser's core security model. This issue allows remote attackers to circumvent the Same Origin Policy, which serves as the primary mechanism for preventing unauthorized access between web pages from different origins. The Same Origin Policy is a fundamental security principle that restricts how documents or scripts loaded from one origin can interact with resources from another origin, thereby preventing malicious actors from accessing sensitive data across domain boundaries. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple policy bypass, creating opportunities for sophisticated cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise user data and browser sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Chrome's security architecture that govern how the browser handles cross-origin requests and resource access. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulating browser rendering or JavaScript execution contexts to gain unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted by the Same Origin Policy. This flaw essentially creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and represents a failure in proper input validation and code execution controls within the browser's security framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2805 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to conduct sophisticated script injection attacks that can compromise user privacy and system integrity. Users browsing the web with vulnerable Chrome versions become susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, and data exfiltration attempts. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to access cookies, local storage, and other sensitive browser data that should remain isolated between different origins. This security breach can lead to unauthorized access to personal information, financial data, and corporate secrets, particularly when users visit compromised websites or are targeted through phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to user systems and conduct large-scale data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate browser updates to version 13.0.782.107 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the Same Origin Policy bypass. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser management policies to ensure all users maintain up-to-date software versions and regularly monitor for security advisories. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" and highlights how attackers can leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Security professionals should also conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in browser configurations and web applications that might provide alternative attack vectors for exploiting similar security flaws.