CVE-2011-3049 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 17.0.963.83 does not properly restrict the extension web request API, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (disrupted system requests) via a crafted extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3049 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's extension web request API implementation that existed prior to version 17.0.963.83. This weakness falls under the category of improper access control and privilege escalation within browser extension frameworks, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations through crafted extension code. The issue specifically targets Chrome's extension architecture where web request API functions are not adequately restricted, allowing extensions to perform unauthorized operations that can impact system stability and availability. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition where remote attackers can manipulate extension behavior to cause system disruption.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation and restriction of extension permissions within Chrome's web request API. When extensions attempt to make web requests, the browser should enforce strict boundaries on what resources can be accessed and what operations can be performed. However, in affected Chrome versions, the extension API allowed for overly permissive access that could be exploited to initiate excessive or malicious requests. This improper restriction enables attackers to craft malicious extensions that can trigger system resource exhaustion or create conditions that disrupt normal browser functionality and system requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate extension framework to execute disruptive operations without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential system instability and user experience degradation. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to create persistent denial of service conditions that affect not only individual browser sessions but potentially impact overall system performance. When malicious extensions utilize this flaw, they can cause Chrome to consume excessive resources, leading to browser crashes, unresponsive interfaces, and disrupted web browsing experiences. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly install malicious extensions, as the exploitation occurs through legitimate extension installation mechanisms rather than direct system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3049 require immediate patching of affected Chrome installations to version 17.0.963.83 or later, which implements proper restrictions on extension web request APIs. Organizations should enforce strict extension installation policies and implement extension whitelisting where possible to prevent unauthorized extensions from being installed. Browser administrators should regularly audit installed extensions and monitor for suspicious activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing extensions from untrusted sources and should regularly review their installed extensions for unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1176 for privilege escalation through browser extensions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive browser security management and extension governance practices.