CVE-2011-3888 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Google Chrome before 15.0.874.102 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors related to editing operations in conjunction with an unknown plug-in.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3888 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 15.0.874.102, classified under CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management during editing operations within the browser's rendering engine, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate memory pointers to execute malicious code or cause system instability. The flaw manifests when Chrome processes editing operations in conjunction with third-party plug-ins, creating a complex attack surface that leverages the interaction between browser components and external modules.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specific payload that triggers an editing operation while simultaneously engaging with an unknown plug-in component. This combination creates a race condition where memory allocated for editing operations is freed prematurely, but the browser continues to reference this memory location. The use-after-free condition allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, making it particularly dangerous in modern web environments where browsers handle increasingly complex and privileged operations. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could lead to code execution within the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential path for privilege escalation and persistent access to user systems. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass security restrictions imposed by the browser's sandboxing mechanisms, particularly given that Chrome's architecture relies heavily on multi-process architecture where a compromised renderer process could potentially affect other browser components. The vulnerability's user-assisted nature means that victims must perform specific actions such as visiting a malicious website or interacting with certain content, but the attack surface remains broad due to the common usage of editing operations and plug-in functionality in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3888 primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates to version 15.0.874.102 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during its existence. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as sandboxing, which limits the damage that can occur if exploitation succeeds, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Network-level protections should also be considered, including monitoring for suspicious browser behavior and implementing content filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious web content designed to exploit this memory corruption vulnerability. The vulnerability's characteristics align with the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically plagued web browsers, making it a prime example of why modern browser security architectures must incorporate robust memory management practices and automated vulnerability detection systems.