CVE-2011-3096 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.46 on Linux allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact by leveraging an error in the GTK implementation of the omnibox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3096 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 19.0.1084.46 on Linux systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the GTK implementation of the omnibox component, which serves as the address bar functionality within the browser interface. The flaw occurs when the browser processes certain input or interactions within the omnibox, creating conditions where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Chrome's Linux implementation, particularly in how it handles GTK widget interactions. When malicious input is processed through the omnibox interface, the browser's memory deallocation and subsequent access patterns create a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed, triggering the use-after-free condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, making it a classic example of memory safety issues in software development. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise when successful.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3096 extends beyond simple denial of service, as the use-after-free condition can potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or manipulate browser interactions to trigger the vulnerability, exploiting the GTK implementation's error handling mechanisms. This represents a significant security risk in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive system resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread usage and the fact that the vulnerability affects Linux implementations specifically, making it relevant to desktop environments and server configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Google to address the specific memory management issues within the GTK implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating Chrome to version 19.0.1084.46 or later, as this release contains the necessary fixes to prevent the use-after-free condition. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques, including disabling unnecessary browser features and employing sandboxing mechanisms to limit potential exploitation impact. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059, which encompasses the use of command and scripting interpreters, as exploitation often involves crafting malicious payloads that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.