CVE-2011-3111 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google V8, as used in Google Chrome before 19.0.1084.52, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid read operation) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3111 affects Google V8 JavaScript engine which serves as the core execution engine for Google Chrome browser and Node.js environments. This critical flaw manifests as an invalid read operation that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition. The vulnerability exists within the V8 engine's handling of JavaScript code execution, specifically in how it processes certain JavaScript objects and memory operations during runtime. The issue was present in Chrome versions prior to 19.0.1084.52, making a substantial user base vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management and object handling within the JavaScript engine's interpreter, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious JavaScript payloads that manipulate memory access patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging specific JavaScript code patterns that cause the V8 engine to perform invalid memory reads during object processing. When malicious JavaScript code is executed, it can trigger memory access violations that result in the browser crashing or becoming unresponsive. The flaw typically occurs when the engine attempts to read from memory locations that have been deallocated or are otherwise inaccessible, leading to system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that are particularly dangerous in web browsers since they can be easily triggered through web pages. The vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in the V8 engine's object lifecycle management and memory safety mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to disrupt normal browser operation through crafted JavaScript code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3111 extends beyond simple browser crashes, as it represents a significant threat to user productivity and system availability. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause complete browser hang-ups or forced restarts, effectively denying users access to web content and services. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or viewing infected web pages, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. Organizations relying on Chrome-based applications for business operations face potential productivity losses and security risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader challenge of maintaining memory safety in high-performance JavaScript engines that must balance execution speed with security robustness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3111 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates to ensure affected Chrome installations receive the necessary security fixes. Users and organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome version 19.0.1084.52 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved memory management and object handling routines. Network administrators can implement additional protective measures such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block potentially malicious JavaScript content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and also relates to ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers legitimate program execution through web browsers. Regular security auditing and monitoring for similar memory corruption vulnerabilities should be implemented to prevent future incidents. System hardening practices including sandboxing and privilege separation can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against exploitation attempts.