CVE-2011-3081 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 18.0.1025.168 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to the floating of elements, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-3078.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3081 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 18.0.1025.168. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors. The specific conditions that trigger this vulnerability involve the floating of elements within the browser's rendering engine, which is a fundamental aspect of how web pages are displayed and structured. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser's core rendering functionality, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Chrome's layout engine, specifically when handling CSS floating elements. When the browser processes web content with floating elements, it creates and destroys memory objects in a manner that leaves references to freed memory accessible to attackers. This memory corruption can occur during the rendering process when the browser attempts to reposition or manipulate floating elements, causing the memory management system to release objects that are still being referenced elsewhere in the code. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, and represents a classic example of improper memory handling that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as indicated by the description suggesting "unspecified other impact." Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that victims need only visit a malicious webpage or receive specially crafted content through web-based communication channels. This vulnerability affects the browser's ability to maintain memory integrity during rendering operations, which are fundamental to web browsing. The attack surface is broad since floating elements are commonly used in web design, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine web browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3081 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions that contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated to version 18.0.1025.168 or later. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web content filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains or implement browser security policies that restrict the execution of potentially harmful content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's application of browser exploitation techniques. Security teams should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated browser versions that may be susceptible to this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.