CVE-2011-2878 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 14.0.835.202 does not properly restrict access to the window prototype, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2878 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 14.0.835.202, specifically targeting the browser's implementation of the Same Origin Policy. This policy serves as a fundamental security mechanism in web browsers that prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources or data from another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. The flaw manifests in Chrome's improper restriction of access to the window prototype, which is a core component of the browser's JavaScript execution environment that manages the global window object and its associated properties and methods.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Chrome's JavaScript engine that govern how the window prototype object is accessed and manipulated by web scripts. When attackers exploit this weakness, they can bypass the browser's security model to access objects and methods that should normally be restricted to scripts originating from the same domain. This allows malicious actors to execute unauthorized operations that would typically be blocked by the Same Origin Policy, effectively undermining the browser's security architecture. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various attack methods including but not limited to manipulating window object properties, accessing restricted DOM elements, or executing cross-origin requests that should be blocked.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2878 is significant as it enables remote attackers to perform actions that compromise user security and data integrity. Attackers could potentially access sensitive information from other domains, manipulate browser behavior, or execute malicious code that would otherwise be prevented by standard browser security controls. This vulnerability particularly affects users of older Chrome versions who may not have received automatic updates, creating a substantial attack surface for cybercriminals targeting web-based exploits. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Chrome version 14.0.835.202 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to properly enforce window prototype access restrictions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additionally, security professionals should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement web application firewalls that can detect anomalous access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and highlights the need for robust security testing of JavaScript engine components to prevent similar access control bypasses in the future.