CVE-2010-0657 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 4.0.249.78 on Windows does not perform the expected encoding, escaping, and quoting for the URL in the --app argument in a desktop shortcut, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs or obtain sensitive information by tricking a user into creating a crafted shortcut.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0657 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 4.0.249.78 on Windows operating systems. This issue specifically affects the handling of URL parameters within the --app argument when creating desktop shortcuts, creating a significant attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to system information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly encode, escape, and quote URL parameters before they are processed in the shortcut creation context.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of command-line arguments when Chrome generates desktop shortcuts for web applications. When users create shortcuts using the --app parameter, the browser fails to adequately sanitize the URL input, allowing special characters and potentially malicious code sequences to persist in the shortcut file. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker can craft a malicious URL that, when processed through the shortcut creation mechanism, executes unintended commands with the privileges of the user who clicks the shortcut. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of application security and operating system integration, leveraging the trust relationship between the browser and the desktop environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential information disclosure and system compromise. Attackers can craft specially designed shortcuts that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, trigger the execution of arbitrary programs with elevated privileges. This could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of persistent malware. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that social engineering plays a crucial role in exploitation, as victims must be tricked into creating or clicking on the malicious shortcuts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may be less security-aware and more susceptible to phishing attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with several common weakness enumerations including CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, and CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system tools, and T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the flaw exists in a widely used browser application that is frequently targeted by cybercriminals for initial access into compromised systems. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome installations and implement additional security controls such as user education programs and application whitelisting policies to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Chrome version 4.0.249.78 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement comprehensive user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that exploit this flaw. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious shortcut creation activities and implementing application control solutions that restrict the execution of unauthorized programs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in application security and serves as a reminder of the critical need for thorough testing of command-line argument handling in web browsers and other software applications that interface with operating system features.