CVE-2011-3036 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 17.0.963.65 does not properly perform a cast of an unspecified variable during handling of line boxes, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unknown other impact via a crafted document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3036 represents a critical type confusion issue within Google Chrome's rendering engine that affects versions prior to 17.0.963.65. This flaw occurs during the processing of line boxes within the browser's layout engine, specifically when handling type casting operations on unspecified variables. The issue stems from improper handling of object types during the document rendering process, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted web content can trigger unexpected behavior in the browser's memory management systems. The vulnerability manifests when Chrome attempts to cast variables during line box processing, potentially leading to memory corruption or unexpected execution paths that could be exploited by remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific manifestation involves type casting rather than traditional buffer manipulation. The attack vector requires remote code execution through web content, making it particularly dangerous as users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or viewing crafted documents.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves triggering a specific code path within Chrome's rendering engine where the browser's internal type system fails to properly validate variable types during line box handling operations. When a crafted document contains maliciously constructed elements that force the browser to perform an improper cast operation, the system may attempt to access memory locations that are not properly allocated for the expected data type. This can result in the browser crashing due to memory access violations or potentially allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and type safety mechanisms within Chrome's layout engine, specifically in how it handles the transition between different object types during rendering operations. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the core rendering level of the browser, meaning that any web content that triggers this path could potentially compromise the entire browser session.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3036 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include potential for more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution and complete browser compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause Chrome to crash repeatedly, effectively rendering the browser unusable for legitimate web browsing activities. However, the potential for more sophisticated attacks exists if attackers can leverage the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code within the browser context, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects all users of affected Chrome versions regardless of their security awareness or protective measures, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Chrome is widely deployed, as a single compromised page could affect multiple users simultaneously. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within the core rendering engine, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3036 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser version management. The most effective solution is to upgrade to Google Chrome version 17.0.963.65 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the type casting vulnerability. Organizations should implement automated update policies to ensure all Chrome installations remain current with security patches. Browser vendors should also consider implementing additional sandboxing mechanisms and memory protection features to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Input validation and type safety improvements should be integrated into the browser's rendering engine to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential attacks targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the need for robust memory safety practices in browser development. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block potentially malicious content before it reaches the browser. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the potential consequences of running outdated browser versions in enterprise environments.