CVE-2010-2106 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.55 might allow remote attackers to spoof the URL bar via vectors involving unload event handlers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2106 represents a security flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 5.0.375.55 that could enable remote attackers to manipulate the browser's URL bar display. This issue falls under the category of user interface spoofing attacks where malicious actors exploit specific browser behavior to deceive users about the legitimacy of web pages they are visiting. The vulnerability specifically leverages unload event handlers to create deceptive navigation experiences that can mislead users about the actual destination of their browser navigation.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JavaScript event handlers, particularly those associated with the window unload event. When a web page is being unloaded or navigated away from, attackers can utilize these event handlers to interfere with the browser's normal URL bar updating process. The flaw allows malicious websites to potentially display misleading URL information or manipulate the visual representation of the current browsing context, creating a false sense of security for users who may be tricked into believing they are on a legitimate website when in fact they are visiting a malicious one. This type of attack directly impacts the browser's security model and user trust mechanisms that are fundamental to secure web browsing.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2106 extends beyond simple visual deception as it undermines core security assumptions about browser integrity and user authentication. Users may be tricked into entering sensitive information on fraudulent websites that appear legitimate due to the spoofed URL bar display. This vulnerability particularly affects the browser's ability to maintain clear and accurate visual indicators of the current browsing context, which is essential for preventing phishing attacks and other social engineering exploits. The attack vector specifically targets the browser's event handling system and demonstrates how seemingly benign JavaScript functionality can be weaponized to create security risks that bypass traditional security measures.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which addresses improper access control in web applications, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. The flaw demonstrates how browser security models can be compromised through manipulation of event handling mechanisms rather than through more direct code injection or privilege escalation vectors. Mitigation strategies include updating to Chrome version 5.0.375.55 or later, which contains patches addressing the specific event handler manipulation techniques. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of browser security updates and employ security best practices such as verifying URL authenticity through multiple means beyond visual inspection. Security researchers and developers should also consider implementing stricter event handler validation and monitoring for unusual patterns in browser navigation behavior to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other browser implementations.