CVE-2010-2645 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.99, when WebGL is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2645 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 5.0.375.99 that specifically affects the WebGL graphics rendering component. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs within the WebGL implementation, which is a crucial component for rendering 3D graphics in web browsers and is widely used across modern web applications. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged through various attack scenarios.
The technical flaw resides in the WebGL graphics processing subsystem where improper bounds checking allows malicious web content to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read vulnerability typically occurs when the WebGL implementation fails to validate input parameters or vertex data structures properly before processing them. Such flaws are classified under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and are often categorized as memory safety issues that can lead to unpredictable behavior including crashes, data corruption, or in some cases, potential code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because WebGL is designed to provide high-performance 3D graphics rendering directly within the browser, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt browser operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of affected Chrome versions as it allows remote attackers to cause browser crashes and system instability through seemingly benign web content. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users may experience unexpected browser termination or complete system hangs when visiting compromised websites that utilize WebGL functionality. This vulnerability affects the core browser functionality and can be exploited through various means including malicious websites, phishing attacks, or compromised web applications that leverage WebGL for enhanced graphics. The attack surface is broad since WebGL is increasingly integrated into modern web applications, making it difficult for users to avoid exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2645 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates. Users should upgrade to Google Chrome version 5.0.375.99 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement security policies that enforce automatic updates for browser software and maintain comprehensive patch management procedures. Additional protective measures include disabling WebGL functionality in browser settings when not required, implementing web content filtering solutions, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to WebGL requests. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service through application-level exploits, specifically targeting the browser's graphics processing subsystem. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and maintaining awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other graphics rendering components that could present similar attack vectors.