CVE-2011-3020 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Native Client validator implementation in Google Chrome before 17.0.963.56 has unknown impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3020 resides within the Native Client validator implementation in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 17.0.963.56. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through remote exploitation. The Native Client technology was designed to enable safe execution of native code within the browser environment, creating a sandboxed execution context that should prevent malicious code from compromising the underlying system. However, the validator component responsible for ensuring code safety contained a vulnerability that could be leveraged to bypass these security controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Native Client implementation that processes and verifies native code before execution. When Chrome processes Native Client applications, it relies on a validator to examine the code and ensure it meets strict safety requirements before allowing execution. This validator implementation contained a flaw that could be exploited to craft malicious code that would pass validation checks undetected, effectively allowing attackers to execute unauthorized native code within the browser sandbox. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though such flaws typically involve buffer overflows, improper input validation, or logic errors in the validation algorithm.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that Native Client was designed to provide. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to bypass multiple layers of browser security, including the same-origin policy and sandboxing mechanisms that protect users from malicious web content. This would enable sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, information disclosure, or complete system compromise depending on the execution environment and available attack surface. The remote attack vectors suggest that exploitation could occur through web pages without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3020 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome where the Native Client validator has been corrected. Users should immediately upgrade to Chrome version 17.0.963.56 or later, which includes fixes for the validation logic. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include disabling Native Client support entirely if not required for business operations, implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with code injection attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving sandbox escape techniques and privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates how complex security mechanisms can contain implementation weaknesses that undermine overall system security, a pattern commonly classified under CWE-119 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). Organizations should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in relation to the principle of least privilege, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the browser environment. The incident highlights the importance of thorough code review and security testing, particularly for components that implement critical security controls like sandboxing and code validation mechanisms.