CVE-2010-2901 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The rendering implementation in Google Chrome before 5.0.375.125 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2901 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the rendering engine of Google Chrome browsers prior to version 5.0.375.125. This flaw exists in the browser's core rendering implementation which processes web content and translates HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into visual user interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the fundamental level of browser functionality where user interactions with web content are processed, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to disrupt browser operations or gain unauthorized access to systems. The issue stems from improper memory management during the rendering process, which can lead to unpredictable behavior when processing malformed or malicious web content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption patterns that can result in various security outcomes including denial of service conditions and potential code execution. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions where programs access memory locations beyond allocated boundaries. The flaw manifests when Chrome's rendering engine processes specific web elements or sequences that trigger improper memory handling, leading to corruption of memory segments that could contain critical browser components or user data. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that beyond simple denial of service, this vulnerability could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation depending on the exploitation vector and target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2901 extends beyond simple browser instability to potentially compromise entire user systems. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause browsers to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the affected systems unusable for web browsing activities. The memory corruption aspect means that successful exploitation could lead to more severe consequences including the execution of malicious code within the browser's security context, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive user data, perform unauthorized actions, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Chrome browsers are widely deployed, as it represents a significant risk to organizational security infrastructure and user productivity. The remote nature of the attack vector means that users need not perform any specific actions to be vulnerable, as simply visiting a malicious website could trigger exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2901 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all Chrome installations to version 5.0.375.125 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the memory corruption issues. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent access to malicious websites that might exploit this vulnerability. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary plugins and features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can further reduce the attack surface. From an operational perspective, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement comprehensive incident response procedures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify and respond to similar issues in other browser components or software applications. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and using security frameworks that align with established standards such as those recommended by the ATT&CK framework for browser-based attacks and memory corruption exploitation techniques.