CVE-2010-2108 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.55 allows remote attackers to bypass the whitelist-mode plugin blocker via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2108 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browser versions prior to 5.0.375.55 that undermines the browser's plugin security mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the whitelist-mode plugin blocker functionality, which is designed to restrict plugin execution to only those applications explicitly permitted by the user or administrator. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that attackers could exploit various pathways to circumvent the intended security controls, potentially allowing malicious plugins to execute in environments where they should be blocked.
The technical flaw resides within the browser's plugin management system where the whitelist-mode plugin blocker fails to properly validate or enforce restrictions on plugin execution. This allows remote attackers to craft specific conditions or utilize particular plugin behaviors that bypass the security controls meant to prevent unauthorized plugin execution. The vulnerability operates at the browser level where plugin interactions with the operating system are managed, potentially enabling privilege escalation or code execution through compromised plugin interactions. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would fall under CWE-284: Improper Access Control, as it involves unauthorized access to plugin execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypass of security controls, potentially enabling sophisticated attacks that leverage the browser's plugin architecture for malicious purposes. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive information, or perform actions that would normally be restricted by the plugin blocker. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation could occur without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as users might unknowingly encounter malicious content that triggers the vulnerability. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model and could compromise user systems when legitimate websites are compromised or when attackers craft malicious content that exploits the specific bypass mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2108 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 5.0.375.55 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced plugin validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include regular updates and monitoring for vulnerable browser versions. The security community should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as content security policies, sandboxing mechanisms, and network-based protections to reduce the attack surface. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to exploit browser vulnerabilities and execute malicious code through compromised plugin interactions. System administrators should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and monitoring for unusual plugin behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.