CVE-2011-2842 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The installer in Google Chrome before 14.0.835.163 on Mac OS X does not properly handle lock files, which has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2842 affects Google Chrome installer versions prior to 14.0.835.163 on Mac OS X systems, representing a critical security flaw in the software installation process. This issue stems from improper handling of lock files during the installation procedure, creating potential security risks that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the installer component rather than the browser itself, making it particularly concerning as it could potentially allow unauthorized modifications to the system before the browser is even fully operational. The unspecified impact and attack vectors suggest that the flaw could enable various malicious activities depending on how an attacker chooses to exploit the improper lock file handling mechanism.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper lock file management, which is classified as a weakness in the software installation and update process. This flaw allows for potential race conditions or file permission issues during installation, where the installer might not properly verify or secure lock files that are essential for ensuring exclusive access to installation resources. The improper handling of these lock files could enable privilege escalation attacks or allow for the installation of malicious components alongside legitimate software updates. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a failure in proper file system access controls and process synchronization mechanisms that should prevent concurrent access conflicts during critical system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple installation failures, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the system during the update process or to manipulate the installation sequence in ways that could compromise system integrity. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain elevated privileges or to install backdoors that persist across system reboots. The Mac OS X environment adds additional complexity as the installer interacts with system-level resources and user permissions that could be manipulated through this flaw. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated updates are common and where the installer might be executed with elevated privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2842 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to version 14.0.835.163 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper lock file handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive update management policies that ensure all systems receive security patches promptly, particularly for browser software that handles system-level installations. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized installation activities and implement proper access controls to prevent malicious actors from exploiting this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verifying that the installer properly handles lock files by checking for proper file permissions and ensuring that installation processes do not leave temporary files accessible to unauthorized users. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious installation activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution and T1068 for exploit private vulnerabilities, demonstrating how installer flaws can serve as entry points for broader system compromise. The CWE classification for this issue would be related to improper handling of system resources during installation processes, specifically CWE-362 for race conditions and CWE-276 for incorrect permissions.