CVE-2010-2300 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the Element::normalizeAttributes function in dom/Element.cpp in WebCore in WebKit in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.70 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via vectors related to handlers for DOM mutation events, aka rdar problem 7948784. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2010-1759.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The CVE-2010-2300 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within the WebKit rendering engine's DOM processing subsystem. This flaw exists in the Element::normalizeAttributes function located in dom/Element.cpp within WebCore, which forms a fundamental component of Chrome's web rendering architecture. The vulnerability specifically manifests when handling DOM mutation events, creating a scenario where memory previously allocated to an object is accessed after it has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The issue was tracked internally as rdar problem 7948784, highlighting its identification within Apple's development ecosystem prior to its disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted web content that triggers DOM mutation events while simultaneously manipulating element attributes in a way that causes the normalizeAttributes function to reference freed memory. When the browser processes these events, the Element::normalizeAttributes function attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated during previous operations, creating a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. This memory corruption vulnerability arises from inadequate memory management practices within the WebCore component, where object lifecycles are not properly tracked during asynchronous event handling operations. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to memory safety principles and represents a classic example of improper resource management that violates fundamental security coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks. Attackers can leverage this condition to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The memory corruption resulting from the use-after-free condition can be exploited through various techniques including heap spraying and return-oriented programming to achieve code execution. This vulnerability affects all versions of Google Chrome prior to 5.0.375.70 and represents a significant risk to users who browse untrusted websites, as the attack vector requires only the delivery of malicious web content. The overlap with CVE-2010-1759 indicates this may represent a broader class of vulnerabilities in WebKit's DOM handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2300 primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates to versions containing the patched WebCore implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome installations to version 5.0.375.70 or later, which includes fixes for the memory management issues in Element::normalizeAttributes. Additionally, implementing security measures such as address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and sandboxing can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against exploitation attempts. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help block malicious web content that might trigger this vulnerability. The fix addresses the underlying memory management flaw by ensuring proper object lifecycle management during DOM mutation event processing and implementing additional safety checks to prevent access to freed memory regions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and demonstrates patterns commonly exploited in browser-based attacks that map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through web browsers.