CVE-2011-2837 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 14.0.835.163 on Linux does not use the PIC and PIE compiler options for position-independent code, which has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2837 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 14.0.835.163 on Linux operating systems where the browser fails to utilize Position Independent Code (PIC) and Position Independent Executable (PIE) compiler options. This represents a significant security weakness that impacts the browser's resistance to various exploitation techniques and memory corruption attacks. The absence of these compiler protections creates predictable memory layout patterns that adversaries can exploit to bypass modern security mechanisms.
The technical flaw stems from the compiler configuration used during Chrome's build process on Linux systems. PIC and PIE are essential compiler optimizations that generate code capable of being loaded at any memory address without requiring modification. Without these options, Chrome binaries are compiled as fixed-address executables, making them vulnerable to address space layout randomization (ASLR) bypass attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the Linux implementation of Chrome while other platforms may have implemented proper security measures, creating an inconsistent security posture across different operating systems. This inconsistency represents a deviation from established security best practices and platform-specific hardening requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation possibilities to encompass a broader range of attack vectors that leverage memory corruption weaknesses. Attackers can exploit the predictable memory layouts to perform return-oriented programming (ROP) attacks, jump-oriented programming (JOP) attacks, and other advanced exploitation techniques that rely on knowing or predicting memory addresses. The unspecified nature of the impact and attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation paths may exist, potentially including privilege escalation, remote code execution, or information disclosure vulnerabilities. This vulnerability directly undermines the effectiveness of modern exploit mitigation techniques such as ASLR, stack canaries, and DEP/NX bit protections.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Chrome version 14.0.835.163 or later where the proper PIC and PIE compiler options are implemented. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures including kernel-level protections such as kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR), stack smashing protection, and other exploit mitigation features. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-676 (Use of Potentially Dangerous Function) and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should also review their build processes and compiler configurations to ensure that all software components properly implement position-independent code generation, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of compiler-level security hardening in modern software development practices.