CVE-2010-1230 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 4.1.249.1036 does not have the expected behavior for attempts to delete Web SQL Databases and clear the Strict Transport Security (STS) state, which has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1230 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 4.1.249.1036 and relates to improper handling of Web SQL Database deletion operations and Strict Transport Security state clearing mechanisms. This issue stems from the browser's failure to properly execute expected security behaviors when users attempt to remove web storage data or reset security state parameters. The flaw exists within Chrome's implementation of web storage management and security protocol enforcement, creating potential gaps in the browser's data protection mechanisms.
Web SQL Database functionality in browsers provides persistent storage for web applications, allowing sites to store structured data locally. When users attempt to delete these databases, the browser should completely remove all associated data and metadata from the system. However, Chrome's implementation exhibited inconsistent behavior where deletion operations did not fully execute as expected, potentially leaving residual data accessible to malicious actors. The vulnerability also extends to the handling of Strict Transport Security state, which is a security feature that prevents protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking by ensuring browsers only connect to websites via secure HTTPS connections.
The unspecified impact and attack vectors associated with this vulnerability represent a significant concern for web security practitioners. The improper handling of database deletion operations could allow attackers to access previously deleted data, potentially exposing sensitive information that was thought to be permanently removed. This behavior could be exploited in scenarios where attackers leverage the persistence of residual data to reconstruct user sessions, access confidential information, or perform other malicious activities. The vulnerability also affects the security state management of websites, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security measures that should prevent protocol downgrade attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper handling of sensitive information, and CWE-254, which covers security features that are not properly implemented. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which involves clearing event logs, as the improper deletion of database content could leave traces that attackers might exploit. The problem demonstrates a failure in proper data sanitization and security state management, creating potential attack surfaces that could be leveraged for information disclosure or privilege escalation attacks. Organizations using affected Chrome versions should consider the broader implications for web application security and user privacy protection.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Chrome version 4.1.249.1036 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly handle Web SQL Database deletion operations and Strict Transport Security state management. Security administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual database access patterns and ensure that web applications properly handle database cleanup operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as regular security assessments, proper data retention policies, and user education regarding browser security practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security implementation in web browsers and highlights the need for continuous security testing and validation of security features.