CVE-2011-3108 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.52 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the browser cache.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3108 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 19.0.1084.52 that enables remote code execution through browser cache manipulation. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors. The issue manifests within Chrome's cache handling mechanisms, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate cached data in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome processes cached content that has been manipulated by an attacker. When the browser attempts to access memory that has already been freed during cache operations, the system can be coerced into executing malicious code loaded into the freed memory space. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web content, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise user systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that has been a persistent concern in web browser security implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of older Chrome versions, as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Chrome, trigger the use-after-free condition and execute code with the privileges of the browser process. This typically results in complete system compromise, as the browser process often runs with elevated privileges on modern operating systems. The remote nature of the attack vector means that users are vulnerable simply by visiting compromised websites, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users browse untrusted web content. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where Chrome is widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3108 primarily focus on immediate software updates to Chrome version 19.0.1084.52 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing content security policies, and using browser hardening techniques such as sandboxing and privilege separation. Security professionals should also consider network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper memory management practices in browser development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1190 for exploit public-facing application. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual browser behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.