CVE-2010-0646 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer signedness errors in factory.cc in Google V8 before r3560, as used in Google Chrome before 4.0.249.89, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Chrome sandbox via crafted use of JavaScript arrays.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0646 represents a critical security flaw in Google V8 JavaScript engine that was present in versions prior to r3560 and affected Google Chrome versions before 4.0.249.89. This issue stems from multiple integer signedness errors within the factory.cc component of the V8 engine, which is responsible for creating various JavaScript objects and data structures. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of JavaScript arrays and their internal memory management operations. These signedness errors occur when the engine processes array operations that involve converting between signed and unsigned integer values during memory allocation and manipulation processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that manipulates array objects in ways that trigger the integer signedness errors. When the V8 engine processes these malformed array operations, the signedness errors cause incorrect memory calculations that can result in buffer overflows or memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the Chrome sandbox environment, which is designed to isolate potentially malicious code from the underlying system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass sandbox protections and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome browser process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-191, which deals with integer underflow.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0646 is severe as it allows remote code execution in a browser environment where attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit this vulnerability. The attack requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain full control over the victim's browser session and potentially escalate privileges to access system resources, read files, or execute malicious payloads. This flaw directly impacts the core security model of modern web browsers by undermining the sandbox isolation that separates web content from the operating system. The vulnerability demonstrates how memory management errors in JavaScript engines can create critical attack vectors that bypass traditional security boundaries. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1070.004 for indicator removal, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and hide their activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of Chrome browsers to versions 4.0.249.89 or later where the V8 engine has been updated to address the integer signedness errors. System administrators should ensure that automatic updates are enabled for browser software to protect against similar vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, using sandboxing technologies that provide additional isolation layers, and monitoring for unusual JavaScript behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns associated with this vulnerability. The fix implemented in the patched versions addresses the root cause by properly handling integer conversions and ensuring that array operations do not result in incorrect memory calculations. Security teams should also perform regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar integer handling issues in other software components that might present similar attack surfaces.