CVE-2011-3927 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Skia, as used in Google Chrome before 16.0.912.77, does not perform all required initialization of values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3927 affects Skia graphics library implementation within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 16.0.912.77. This issue stems from insufficient initialization of memory values during the graphics rendering process, creating potential security risks that could be exploited by remote attackers. The Skia graphics library serves as a core component responsible for rendering graphics elements in Chrome, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for browser security. The flaw manifests when the library fails to properly initialize certain memory locations, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior during graphics processing operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of uninitialized memory access issues that can result in various security implications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves the graphics rendering subsystem where Skia fails to initialize all required memory values before processing graphics operations. When Chrome processes web content that involves graphics rendering, the Skia library handles the underlying graphics operations including drawing commands, transformations, and visual effects. The incomplete initialization creates scenarios where memory locations contain garbage values or remnants from previous operations, which can then be interpreted incorrectly during subsequent graphics processing. This improper initialization can occur in various graphics contexts such as canvas operations, SVG rendering, or WebGL processing, where the graphics library performs calculations based on uninitialized memory values. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to unpredictable program behavior that may manifest as denial of service conditions or potentially more severe impacts.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3927 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the unspecified other impacts could include information disclosure, privilege escalation, or arbitrary code execution depending on how the uninitialized memory values are processed. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious web content that triggers the graphics rendering path with specific parameters that expose the uninitialized memory behavior. When victims browse to compromised websites, the browser's graphics processing engine may encounter these uninitialized values and behave unpredictably, potentially crashing the browser process or allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This vulnerability represents a classic case of memory safety issues that align with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables, and demonstrates how graphics libraries can introduce security risks when proper initialization protocols are not followed. The attack surface is broad as it affects any web content that utilizes graphics rendering capabilities within the affected Chrome versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Chrome version 16.0.912.77 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly initialize all required memory values in the Skia graphics library. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected systems, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense while waiting for full patch deployment. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual browser behavior or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including sandboxing and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, though these measures do not prevent the vulnerability itself. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to ensure proper patch management procedures are in place for future vulnerabilities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety practices in graphics libraries and demonstrates how seemingly minor initialization issues can have significant security implications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through browser-based attacks and T1499 for denial of service operations.