CVE-2011-3907 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The view-source feature in Google Chrome before 16.0.912.63 allows remote attackers to spoof the URL bar via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3907 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome's handling of the view-source functionality prior to version 16.0.912.63. This issue specifically targets the browser's user interface elements and presents a sophisticated method for attackers to manipulate user perception of web page origins. The vulnerability resides within the view-source feature which is designed to display the raw source code of web pages, but becomes exploitable when combined with malicious web content that can manipulate the URL bar display. This flaw enables attackers to create deceptive user experiences where legitimate websites appear to be displaying content from malicious domains, creating confusion and potential security risks for users who may inadvertently trust falsified information. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries and user interface deception, exploiting the trust users place in visual indicators such as URL bars.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves unspecified vectors that allow remote attackers to manipulate how the view-source feature renders page information. When users access a page through the view-source functionality, the browser should maintain proper separation between the actual page content and the display mechanism. However, the flaw allows attackers to craft malicious web pages that can influence how the URL bar appears, potentially making it display a different address than what is actually being rendered. This manipulation can occur through various techniques including but not limited to JavaScript injection, DOM manipulation, and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that exploit the browser's rendering engine. The vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's security model by creating a potential attack surface where user interface elements can be manipulated to display false information, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent such visual deception.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3907 extends beyond simple visual deception to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including phishing attempts, credential theft, and social engineering campaigns. Users who encounter manipulated URL bar displays may be tricked into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on URL bar information to verify website authenticity, creating a trust model breakdown that attackers can exploit. The attack vector typically involves hosting malicious content on a compromised website or using a man-in-the-middle position to inject the deceptive elements into the view-source display. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-693, which deals with Protection Mechanism Failure, specifically focusing on mechanisms that are intended to prevent user deception. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, where attackers manipulate application behavior to bypass security controls and deceive users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3907 require immediate browser updates to version 16.0.912.63 or later, where Google implemented fixes to properly isolate the view-source functionality from URL bar display manipulation. Organizations should ensure their users maintain up-to-date browser versions and implement additional security measures such as content security policies and regular security audits. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper isolation between different browser components and the need for robust security boundaries. Users should be educated about the risks of clicking on suspicious links and the importance of verifying website authenticity through multiple means beyond URL bar inspection. Network administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement proper web filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious content. The fix implemented by Google addresses the core issue by ensuring that the view-source feature properly isolates its display from the main browser navigation controls, preventing attackers from manipulating URL bar information during source code viewing operations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining secure browser implementations and the potential consequences of UI manipulation attacks in modern web environments.