CVE-2011-2845 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 15.0.874.102 does not properly handle history data, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to spoof the URL bar via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2845 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 15.0.874.102, specifically concerning the browser's handling of history data. This issue falls under the category of user-assisted remote code execution vulnerabilities where attackers can manipulate the browser's URL bar display to deceive users into believing they are visiting a legitimate website when in fact they are not. The flaw exploits the browser's insufficient validation mechanisms for history data, creating a potential vector for phishing attacks and other social engineering schemes that rely on URL bar spoofing to gain user trust.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Chrome's inadequate processing of history data within its rendering engine, particularly affecting how the browser displays URL information in the address bar. Attackers can leverage unspecified vectors to manipulate the history data that the browser uses to populate the URL bar, potentially causing the displayed URL to differ from the actual location of the web page being viewed. This misrepresentation occurs because the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize the history data before presenting it to users, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to craft deceptive browsing experiences. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as a weakness involving improper input validation, specifically in how the browser handles historical navigation data.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2845 extends beyond simple visual deception, as it enables sophisticated phishing attacks that can bypass user security awareness. When users observe a spoofed URL bar, they may unknowingly enter sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details, believing they are interacting with a legitimate website. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on URL bar verification as a primary security measure, undermining their confidence in browser-based security mechanisms. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that victims must actively engage with the malicious content, but once triggered, the deception can persist until the user navigates away from the page or closes the browser entirely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2845 center on immediate browser updates to version 15.0.874.102 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the history data handling flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all systems are running patched versions, as this vulnerability affects a wide range of users who may not have automatic update mechanisms enabled. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as browser security extensions, network-based URL filtering, and user education programs that emphasize the importance of verifying website authenticity through multiple methods beyond URL bar inspection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust sanitization of historical data within web browsers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through deceptive website content and URL manipulation.