CVE-2011-3098 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.46 on Windows uses an incorrect search path for the Windows Media Player plug-in, which might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse plug-in in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3098 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 19.0.1084.46 on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from the browser's improper handling of plugin search paths, specifically affecting the Windows Media Player plugin integration. The vulnerability creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can exploit the plugin loading mechanism to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The root cause lies in Chrome's failure to properly validate or restrict the directories from which plugins are loaded, allowing attackers to place malicious plugin files in locations that are automatically searched during the plugin initialization process. This misconfiguration enables a local attacker to place a Trojan horse plugin file in an unspecified directory that Chrome will subsequently load, potentially leading to system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic search path hijacking pattern that aligns with CWE-426 and CWE-74 standards, where an application searches for components in predictable locations without proper validation. When Chrome initializes the Windows Media Player plugin, it follows a specific search order that includes directories in the system path or commonly used plugin directories. The flaw occurs because Chrome does not implement proper path validation or sandboxing controls to prevent loading of plugins from untrusted or writable locations. This creates an environment where a local attacker with write permissions to a directory in the search path can place a malicious plugin file that will be automatically executed when the browser attempts to load the media player functionality. The privilege escalation aspect arises because the plugin execution context typically inherits the privileges of the running browser process, which on Windows systems often runs with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments and individual users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised document, making it a stealthy attack vector. Organizations running affected Chrome versions face significant risk as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users frequently browse the internet and may inadvertently encounter malicious content that triggers this vulnerability during normal browser operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3098 should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of Chrome version 19.0.1084.46 or later, which addresses the plugin search path issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include restricting write permissions to directories in the plugin search path, implementing application whitelisting policies, and deploying sandboxing technologies to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Security teams should also consider monitoring for unusual plugin loading patterns and implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and secure coding practices in application design, particularly when dealing with plugin architectures and dynamic loading mechanisms. This case highlights the necessity of following secure development practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines and emphasizes the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues across software ecosystems.