CVE-2010-1235 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 4.1.249.1036 allows remote attackers to trigger the omission of a download warning dialog via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1235 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 4.1.249.1036 that could potentially allow remote attackers to bypass important security warnings during the download process. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of security bypass flaws that can significantly compromise user protection mechanisms within web browsers. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it suggests multiple potential pathways through which attackers could exploit the weakness.
The technical flaw manifests in the browser's handling of download warnings where an attacker can manipulate certain conditions to cause the omission of critical security dialogs that would normally alert users to potentially dangerous downloads. This represents a failure in the browser's security model where the expected warning mechanisms are bypassed without proper validation or user notification. The vulnerability specifically targets the download warning system which is designed to protect users from malicious files and potentially harmful software installations. From a cybersecurity perspective, this type of flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and user consent by allowing unauthorized bypass of security controls that should be mandatory for all download operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could enable attackers to deliver malicious software to users without their knowledge or consent. When download warnings are omitted, users are deprived of crucial information about file origins, potential threats, and security implications that would normally guide their decision-making process. This vulnerability could be exploited in various attack scenarios including drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, and social engineering attacks where attackers leverage the absence of warnings to increase the likelihood of successful malware delivery. The vulnerability's potential for abuse extends beyond simple file downloads to include any scenario where browser security warnings are intended to protect users from potentially harmful content.
This vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks and threat models, including CWE-693 which covers protection mechanism failures, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers phishing attacks through malicious downloads. The flaw demonstrates the importance of robust security controls in web browsers and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of warning systems. Organizations should consider implementing additional layers of protection including network-based security controls, endpoint detection and response solutions, and user education programs to mitigate the risks associated with such browser vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical in addressing these types of flaws that could be exploited by threat actors to compromise user systems and data.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the patched Chrome version 4.1.249.1036 or later, along with network-level monitoring to detect suspicious download activities. Security teams should also implement browser security policies that enforce strict download warnings and consider deploying additional security tools that can detect and block malicious downloads regardless of browser warning states. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of browser environments can help identify similar weaknesses in other security controls that might be exploited in combination with this vulnerability to increase attack effectiveness.