CVE-2011-3056 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 17.0.963.83 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via vectors involving a "magic iframe."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3056 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 17.0.963.83 that undermines the fundamental Same Origin Policy (SOP) protection mechanism. This policy serves as a cornerstone of web security by preventing scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. The flaw specifically exploits a weakness in how Chrome handles certain iframe elements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent these essential security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated "magic iframe" technique that manipulates the browser's rendering engine to bypass SOP restrictions. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that utilize specially crafted iframe elements to access content from different origins that should normally be restricted. This occurs through manipulation of the browser's internal object model and memory management, where the iframe element is positioned in such a way that it can access cross-origin resources without proper authorization. The vulnerability exploits the browser's handling of frame navigation and resource access controls, allowing unauthorized data retrieval and potential information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated cross-origin attacks that can compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially execute further malicious activities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access cookies, local storage, and other cross-origin resources that should remain isolated, creating opportunities for session hijacking and credential theft. The vulnerability affects all users of affected Chrome versions and can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, and compromised third-party domains that embed the malicious iframe code.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and relates to the broader category of privilege escalation attacks that target browser security models. The attack pattern follows techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 and T1071 sub-techniques, specifically targeting browser exploitation and web service manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates to version 17.0.963.83 or later, along with network-level protections such as content security policies and web application firewalls. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring for suspicious iframe usage patterns in web applications.