CVE-2011-3040 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 17.0.963.65 does not properly handle text, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted document.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3040 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 17.0.963.65. This issue stems from the browser's insufficient validation mechanisms when processing text elements within crafted documents, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the software's memory handling capabilities. The flaw manifests when Chrome encounters specially constructed text data that triggers improper memory access patterns, potentially leading to system instability and denial of service conditions.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a memory safety issue that falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, specifically addressing out-of-bounds read conditions in software applications. The vulnerability occurs within Chrome's text rendering engine where the browser fails to properly validate input boundaries when processing document elements. Attackers can craft malicious documents containing malformed text sequences that cause the browser to attempt reading memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged remotely without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3040 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could potentially be escalated to more severe attack vectors. When exploited, the out-of-bounds read condition can cause Chrome to crash or behave unpredictably, effectively denying users access to the browser functionality. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious documents through various channels including web pages, email attachments, or file downloads, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability aligns with T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it enables remote code execution through browser-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3040 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patch management. Organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome version 17.0.963.65 or later, which includes the necessary memory validation fixes and boundary checks. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. Browser security configurations should be hardened by disabling unnecessary plugins and features that could exacerbate the vulnerability's impact. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual browser behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential breaches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in preventing memory safety issues that can compromise entire browser ecosystems.