CVE-2010-2649 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.99 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via an invalid image.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2649 represents a critical denial of service weakness within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 5.0.375.99. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing image data within the browser's rendering engine. The flaw specifically manifests when Chrome encounters malformed or invalid image files that do not conform to standard image format specifications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially designed image files that trigger memory corruption or unexpected behavior in Chrome's image processing components. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the browser's image parsing capabilities to execute malicious code that ultimately leads to application instability and complete crash.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Chrome's handling of image data structures during the rendering process. When the browser attempts to parse invalid image formats, it fails to properly validate the image headers, metadata, or pixel data, causing the application to enter an undefined state. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser's core rendering pipeline, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics of the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to cause system instability and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser crashes, potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors when combined with other exploits. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to disrupt user browsing sessions, degrade service availability, and create conditions that may facilitate additional attacks. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face significant risk as users can be forced to restart their browsers or even their entire systems when encountering malicious content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised websites. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how image processing libraries can introduce instability into browser applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2649 primarily involve immediate browser updates to versions 5.0.375.99 or later, which contain patched validation routines for image processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations remain current with security updates. Network administrators can deploy web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains that may host exploit content, though this approach provides only partial protection. Browser hardening measures including disabling automatic image loading or implementing sandboxing techniques can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and continuous monitoring of browser components, particularly those handling external data inputs. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual browser crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining current software versions to minimize exposure to such vulnerabilities.