CVE-2010-2110 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 5.0.375.55 does not properly execute JavaScript code in the extension context, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2110 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 5.0.375.55 that affects how the browser handles JavaScript execution within extension contexts. This issue stems from improper handling of JavaScript code execution in the browser's extension framework, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited remotely. The vulnerability specifically targets the Chrome extension architecture where malicious code could potentially bypass security restrictions and execute with elevated privileges. The unspecified impact highlights the severity of the flaw, as it could enable attackers to perform actions that should normally be restricted to extension developers or the browser itself. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and sandbox escape mechanisms that are particularly dangerous in browser environments where extensions can access sensitive user data and system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Chrome browser's extension sandboxing mechanisms failing to properly validate or restrict JavaScript execution within extension contexts. When Chrome processes extension code, it should maintain strict boundaries between the extension's execution environment and the underlying system to prevent malicious code from accessing restricted APIs or performing unauthorized operations. However, this flaw allowed for improper JavaScript code execution that could potentially circumvent these security boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates a weakness in Chrome's extension security model where the browser failed to properly isolate extension code execution, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the extension framework. This weakness could enable code injection attacks or arbitrary code execution within the extension context, potentially allowing attackers to access user data, manipulate browser functionality, or escalate privileges to system-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2110 extends beyond simple code execution issues as it represents a fundamental flaw in Chrome's security architecture that could enable sophisticated attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious extensions, modify existing extension behavior, or access sensitive user information through compromised extension contexts. The remote attack vectors suggest that exploitation could occur without user interaction, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as users could be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites that load malicious extensions or by downloading compromised extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This vulnerability could also enable persistent threats where attackers establish footholds within user browsers through extension-based attacks, potentially allowing for long-term surveillance or data exfiltration. The unspecified impact classification indicates that the vulnerability could lead to various security consequences including but not limited to data theft, privilege escalation, and system compromise, making it a serious concern for enterprise and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2110 should focus on immediate browser updates to versions 5.0.375.55 and later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper JavaScript execution validation and extension sandboxing improvements. Organizations should implement strict extension management policies that limit extension installations to trusted sources and regularly audit installed extensions for suspicious behavior. Browser security configurations should be hardened by disabling unnecessary extension permissions and implementing strict content security policies that prevent unauthorized code execution. Security monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual extension behavior patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264 permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically addressing weaknesses in access control mechanisms within browser extension frameworks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and sandbox escape methods that attackers can use to gain elevated privileges within the browser environment, potentially leading to broader system compromise through techniques such as credential access and persistence mechanisms. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure proper browser updates and extension security configurations are maintained across all user environments.