CVE-2011-3059 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 18.0.1025.142 does not properly handle SVG text elements, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3059 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 18.0.1025.142, specifically within the handling of Scalable Vector Graphics text elements. This issue falls under the category of out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, which occur when a program attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests in Chrome's rendering engine when processing SVG text elements, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted web content can trigger unintended memory access patterns that lead to system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within Chrome's SVG text processing module. When the browser encounters malformed or specially crafted SVG text elements, the rendering engine fails to properly validate the element boundaries before attempting to read associated memory segments. This improper handling creates opportunities for attackers to construct malicious SVG content that, when rendered by the browser, causes the application to read memory locations outside of intended buffer limits. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web rendering and memory management, exploiting weaknesses in how Chrome processes vector graphics elements within web pages.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against affected Chrome installations without requiring any privileged access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The out-of-bounds read condition typically results in browser crashes or application instability, effectively rendering the affected system unusable for web browsing activities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services, cause persistent browser failures, or potentially establish a foothold for more sophisticated attacks by creating a compromised browsing environment. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where Chrome is widely deployed, potentially affecting productivity and security posture.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves using web-based attacks to cause system instability. Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited through standard web browsing activities. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including sandboxing, content filtering, and regular security updates to minimize exposure. Additionally, monitoring for unusual browser crash patterns or memory access anomalies can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining current threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about related attack vectors and emerging threats targeting similar browser rendering vulnerabilities.