CVE-2011-3067 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 18.0.1025.151 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via vectors related to replacement of IFRAME elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3067 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 18.0.1025.151 that fundamentally undermines the browser's core security model. This issue specifically targets the Same Origin Policy implementation, which serves as the primary barrier preventing malicious code from accessing resources across different domains. The vulnerability arises from how Chrome handles the replacement of iframe elements, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the security mechanisms designed to isolate web content from different origins. The Same Origin Policy, defined by web standards and enforced across all major browsers, prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources or data from another origin without explicit permission, making this bypass particularly dangerous for user data protection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of iframe replacement operations within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that dynamically replace iframe elements in ways that allow cross-origin content to be loaded and executed within the context of the original page. This manipulation exploits a gap in Chrome's security model where the browser fails to properly validate the origin of content when iframes are replaced, effectively creating a bypass mechanism that undermines the fundamental security boundary between different web origins. The flaw specifically relates to how Chrome's JavaScript engine processes DOM manipulation operations involving iframe elements, allowing attackers to inject and execute code from different origins without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables sophisticated cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise user sessions, steal sensitive data, and facilitate further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking by accessing cookies and session tokens from different origins, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts on various websites. The vulnerability also enables more complex attack vectors including data exfiltration, credential theft, and the execution of malicious code within the context of trusted websites. This creates a significant risk for users accessing sensitive applications, financial services, or corporate networks where Chrome is the primary browser. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption and the fact that the vulnerability existed for several years before being patched, allowing attackers to develop and deploy exploits against unsuspecting users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3067 focus primarily on immediate browser updates to versions that contain the necessary security patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated to version 18.0.1025.151 or later, as this vulnerability was specifically addressed in that release. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers that restrict iframe loading and content execution, monitoring for suspicious DOM manipulation patterns, and employing web application firewalls that can detect and block exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on browser security configurations and ensure that users are educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code within browser environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security implementations and highlights the need for continuous monitoring of browser security advisories.