CVE-2011-3107 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.52 does not properly implement JavaScript bindings for plug-ins, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3107 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's handling of JavaScript bindings for browser plug-ins, affecting versions prior to 19.0.1084.52. This issue stems from improper implementation of the bridge between JavaScript execution contexts and native plug-in functionalities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the browser's architecture. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and unsafe implementation of cross-context communication mechanisms, which are commonly categorized under CWE-254 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw specifically manifests when Chrome processes JavaScript code that interacts with plug-in interfaces, particularly when these interactions are not properly sanitized or validated.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Chrome's JavaScript engine failing to adequately enforce security boundaries when executing plug-in bindings, allowing crafted JavaScript code to manipulate plug-in interfaces in unexpected ways. This misimplementation creates opportunities for attackers to trigger memory corruption issues or resource exhaustion conditions that lead to application instability. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it may potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the nature of the plug-in interfaces being manipulated. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that contain JavaScript code designed to exploit the improper binding implementation, causing Chrome to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code within the browser's security context.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3107 is significant for users of affected Chrome versions, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through standard web browsing activities. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond normal browsing. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services through browser-based attacks. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face increased risk of service disruption and potential data exposure, particularly in environments where browser-based attacks are common. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that it may serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate updating of Chrome browsers to version 19.0.1084.52 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper JavaScript plug-in binding implementation. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as browser hardening configurations, content security policies, and regular security audits to reduce the attack surface. The fix implemented by Google addresses the core issue by strengthening the validation and sanitization processes for JavaScript plug-in interactions, ensuring proper boundary enforcement between JavaScript contexts and native plug-in interfaces. Organizations should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify potential related attacks that may exploit similar architectural weaknesses in browser security models.