CVE-2011-3961 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in Google Chrome before 17.0.963.46 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors that trigger a crash of a utility process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3961 represents a critical race condition flaw discovered in Google Chrome versions prior to 17.0.963.46. This vulnerability resides within the browser's architecture and specifically targets the utility process management system that Chrome employs to handle various background operations. The race condition occurs when the browser's utility processes are being terminated or restarted, creating a temporary window where memory management becomes inconsistent and exploitable. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web content, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions that can lead to security vulnerabilities due to improper synchronization of concurrent operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's utility process lifecycle management where a race condition occurs during process shutdown and restart sequences. When Chrome's main browser process attempts to terminate a utility process that is in the midst of executing certain operations, the timing window between process termination and cleanup can be exploited. Attackers can craft malicious web content that triggers this specific timing scenario, causing the utility process to crash in a controlled manner. The crash occurs in a manner that allows memory corruption, which can then be leveraged to inject and execute malicious code within the browser's memory space. This exploitation technique requires precise timing and memory manipulation that takes advantage of the underlying process management architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3961 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's system. The utility process typically runs with elevated privileges and handles sensitive operations, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Once an attacker gains code execution capabilities through this vulnerability, they can potentially access user data, modify browser behavior, or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all versions of Chrome prior to 17.0.963.46, representing a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting users of older browser versions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where browser updates may be delayed, creating extended periods of exposure. The attack vector operates through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult for users to protect themselves without updating their software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3961 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution is to upgrade to Google Chrome version 17.0.963.46 or later, which includes patches addressing the race condition in utility process management. Organizations should implement robust patch management policies to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing browser security extensions, configuring network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and employing user education initiatives to avoid visiting untrusted websites. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and highlights the risks associated with running outdated browser software in enterprise environments. The vulnerability also underscores the need for proper process isolation and memory management practices in browser architecture design, as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize the importance of preventing race conditions in concurrent systems.