CVE-2011-2828 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 13.0.782.215, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors that trigger an out-of-bounds write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2828 represents a critical security flaw within Google V8 JavaScript engine, which serves as the core JavaScript runtime component powering Google Chrome web browser and numerous other applications. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of Chrome prior to 13.0.782.215, making it a significant concern for users operating older browser versions. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity and availability. The V8 engine's role as a fundamental component in modern web browsers means that this vulnerability could potentially affect millions of users globally, as it resides within the browser's JavaScript execution environment where most web-based attacks originate.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write operation that occurs within the V8 JavaScript engine's memory management system. This type of flaw typically arises when the engine fails to properly validate array indices or memory allocation boundaries during JavaScript code execution. When attackers can manipulate JavaScript code to trigger such conditions, they may be able to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions or causing the browser to crash. The unspecified nature of the potential impacts suggests that beyond simple denial of service, this vulnerability could enable more sophisticated attacks including code execution or information disclosure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and may also relate to CWE-787 "Out-of-bounds Write" which specifically addresses writing to memory locations outside the bounds of allocated buffers.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2828 extends beyond simple browser crashes, as it represents a potential gateway for more serious attacks within the browser's security model. When remote attackers can leverage out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in JavaScript engines, they often gain the ability to execute arbitrary code within the browser's sandboxed environment, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model by undermining the isolation between web content and the underlying operating system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that V8 engines are used across multiple platforms and applications, meaning a successful exploitation could affect various software ecosystems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, as attackers could potentially leverage the memory corruption to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2828 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and patch management, as Google released version 13.0.782.215 to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected Chrome installations receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, browser hardening techniques including sandboxing, memory protection mechanisms, and strict content security policies can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious JavaScript patterns. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser security extensions and monitoring for known exploit patterns that may attempt to leverage this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and services.