CVE-2010-3112 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 5.0.375.127 does not properly implement file dialogs, which allows 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 • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3112 affects Google Chrome versions prior to 5.0.375.127 and relates to improper implementation of file dialog functionality within the browser. This flaw exists in the browser's handling of file selection interfaces that users encounter when interacting with file upload mechanisms on websites. The issue manifests when Chrome processes file dialog operations, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system stability and security. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's user interface components responsible for managing file selection prompts, which are fundamental elements in web browsing experiences.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within Chrome's file dialog subsystem where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters during file selection operations. This improper handling creates memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be triggered through crafted web content or malicious websites. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially designed web pages that manipulate the file dialog interface in ways that cause the browser to allocate or access memory incorrectly. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of flaw typically falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow or similar memory corruption vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users of affected Chrome versions as it creates a persistent security risk across all web browsing activities. Users may inadvertently encounter malicious websites that exploit this vulnerability through normal browsing behavior, particularly when interacting with file upload prompts or downloading content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that attackers might leverage it for more sophisticated attacks beyond simple denial of service, potentially including privilege escalation or information disclosure. Organizations using older Chrome versions face increased risk of security incidents and may experience system instability or crashes during normal web browsing operations. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model and undermines user trust in the application's ability to protect against malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3112 primarily focus on immediate software updates to the latest Chrome versions that contain the necessary security patches. Users should ensure their browsers are updated to version 5.0.375.127 or later where the file dialog implementation has been corrected. System administrators should implement automated update mechanisms and security policies that enforce browser version compliance across organizational networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web content filters that can block suspicious file dialog interactions and implementing browser hardening configurations that limit the exposure of vulnerable components. Organizations should also consider network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability through anomalous file dialog behavior patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both immediate exploitation risks and long-term security posture improvements. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Chrome versions to ensure proper patch management and reduce exposure windows.