CVE-2011-3100 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.46 does not properly draw dash paths, 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 • 04/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3100 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's rendering engine that affects versions prior to 19.0.1084.46. This issue stems from improper handling of dash path drawing operations within the browser's graphics rendering pipeline, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the software's failure to properly validate graphical elements. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when Chrome processes certain dash path configurations, potentially leading to system instability and denial of service attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's handling of graphical path elements that utilize dash patterns for visual representation. When Chrome encounters dash paths that exceed expected boundaries or contain malformed parameters, the rendering engine fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or memory operations. This particular flaw falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a CWE-125 vulnerability, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The improper validation of dash path parameters creates a scenario where the graphics subsystem attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in unpredictable behavior and potential system crashes.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions, as remote attackers can leverage it to disrupt browser functionality without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The denial of service condition can be triggered through various means including visiting malicious websites, opening specially crafted web pages, or interacting with compromised web content that contains malicious dash path configurations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to cause browser crashes, rendering the application unusable and potentially leading to broader system instability, particularly when the browser is running critical applications or when users are engaged in important online activities. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that users can be affected simply by visiting compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in the context of web-based attacks.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2011-3100 primarily involves immediate upgrading to Google Chrome version 19.0.1084.46 or later, which includes patches that properly validate dash path parameters and implement appropriate bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as restricting access to potentially malicious websites through content filtering solutions and maintaining updated security policies. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) highlights its potential for being used in broader attack campaigns targeting web browsers. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with this specific vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their browser software updated and avoiding suspicious websites that may contain malicious content designed to exploit such rendering engine flaws.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in graphics rendering systems and highlights how seemingly minor issues in visual element processing can result in significant security implications. The flaw's existence in a widely used browser application underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of rendering engines and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions to protect against known vulnerabilities. The remediation process requires not only updating the browser software but also ensuring that all related components and extensions are compatible with the patched version to maintain overall system security posture.