CVE-2011-3052 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The WebGL implementation in Google Chrome before 17.0.963.83 does not properly handle CANVAS elements, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3052 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the WebGL implementation of Google Chrome browsers prior to version 17.0.963.83. This flaw specifically manifests in the handling of CANVAS elements, which are fundamental components in web graphics rendering and WebGL functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the browser's graphics processing pipeline, creating a potential attack surface that malicious actors could exploit to compromise system stability and security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper memory handling when processing CANVAS elements within WebGL contexts. When Chrome encounters certain malformed or crafted CANVAS data, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate the input parameters, leading to memory corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the WebGL rendering engine through carefully constructed web content that triggers memory corruption during canvas element processing.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions, as it can be exploited to achieve denial of service conditions that crash the browser application. More concerning is the potential for unspecified other impacts that could include arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in an affected browser, triggers the memory corruption through WebGL canvas elements. The attack vector typically involves visiting compromised websites or clicking on malicious links that deliver specially crafted WebGL content designed to exploit this memory handling flaw.
The impact of CVE-2011-3052 extends beyond simple browser crashes, as memory corruption vulnerabilities often provide attackers with opportunities to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and potentially T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, depending on the specific exploitation method. The widespread use of Chrome as a primary browser makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could be exploited against a large user base through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics.
Organizations and users should immediately update to Chrome version 17.0.963.83 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense in depth. Browser security configurations should include disabling WebGL when not required for specific applications, though this may impact legitimate web applications that depend on WebGL functionality. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to ensure all browser components remain current with the latest security mitigations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in graphics rendering systems and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation in browser engine implementations to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.