CVE-2011-2854 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 14.0.835.163 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to "ruby / table style handing."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2854 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 14.0.835.163. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors. The specific vector involves the handling of ruby and table styling elements within web pages, which are typically used for text formatting and layout purposes in web documents. The flaw manifests when the browser processes certain combinations of ruby annotations and table structures, leading to improper memory management during the rendering process. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a serious weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management within Chrome's rendering engine when processing complex CSS styling combinations. When the browser encounters specific ruby and table style combinations, it fails to properly manage the memory allocated for these elements, resulting in a situation where freed memory locations are still accessed or referenced. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious web content that triggers the specific code path leading to the use-after-free condition. This allows remote attackers to either cause a browser crash through denial of service attacks or potentially execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it could enable full system compromise through advanced exploitation techniques.
The operational implications of CVE-2011-2854 are significant for organizations relying on Chrome browsers for web-based operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform remote code execution, potentially gaining full control over affected systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of users since table and ruby styling elements are commonly used in web development, making it easy for attackers to craft convincing exploit payloads. Organizations running older Chrome versions face substantial risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction, often only visiting a malicious website to trigger the exploit. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2854 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 14.0.835.163 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious ruby and table styling combinations, as well as deploying browser security extensions that enhance memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059 technique for command and control communications, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented mitigations and identify potential additional vulnerabilities in the browser ecosystem.