CVE-2010-2302 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in WebCore in WebKit in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.70 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors involving remote fonts in conjunction with shadow DOM trees, aka rdar problem 8007953. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2010-1771.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2302 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the WebCore component of WebKit engine that powers Google Chrome browser versions prior to 5.0.375.70. This issue arises from improper memory management when processing remote font resources in conjunction with shadow DOM tree structures, creating a dangerous condition where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a severe memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Chrome processes remote font files while simultaneously managing shadow DOM trees, creating a race condition where memory allocated for font rendering operations becomes freed but continues to be referenced by the shadow DOM implementation. This particular combination creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the browser's memory management system to cause unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through web content without requiring user interaction, making it a prime candidate for drive-by attacks. The specific reference to rdar problem 8007953 indicates this was tracked internally by Apple's development team before being reported to the broader security community.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Chrome versions as it can be leveraged for both denial of service attacks and remote code execution. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that load remote fonts and manipulate shadow DOM structures to trigger the use-after-free condition, potentially leading to complete browser compromise. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption since the memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the browser context, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user systems. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code on compromised systems. The attack surface is particularly broad given that font processing is a common web feature and shadow DOM manipulation is increasingly used in modern web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2302 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 5.0.375.70 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include network-level filtering of suspicious font content, implementing content security policies that restrict remote font loading, and deploying browser hardening configurations that limit the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and web application firewalls that can detect anomalous font loading patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices, particularly in complex web rendering engines. Given the overlap with CVE-2010-1771, organizations should ensure both vulnerabilities are addressed through coordinated patching efforts and comprehensive security testing of browser components.