CVE-2010-3259 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 4.1.3 and 5.0.x before 5.0.3, Google Chrome before 6.0.472.53, and webkitgtk before 1.2.6, does not properly restrict read access to images derived from CANVAS elements, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and obtain potentially sensitive image data via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3259 represents a critical security flaw in WebKit-based browsers that undermines fundamental web security mechanisms. This issue affects major browser implementations including Apple Safari versions prior to 4.1.3 and 5.0.3, Google Chrome versions before 6.0.472.53, and webkitgtk versions before 1.2.6. The flaw specifically targets the Canvas API implementation within these browsers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent essential security policies that protect user data and privacy.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in WebKit's improper handling of read access permissions for images generated from CANVAS elements. When a web page creates a canvas element and draws content onto it, the browser should enforce strict access controls to prevent unauthorized reading of pixel data. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass these security restrictions through carefully crafted web content that exploits the flawed implementation. The vulnerability specifically enables remote attackers to access image data that should be restricted due to cross-origin policies.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3259 is significant as it represents a bypass of the Same Origin Policy, one of the most fundamental security mechanisms in web browsers. This policy prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin, protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. When this policy is circumvented, attackers can potentially extract sensitive information from images that were intended to be protected, including user data, authentication tokens, or other confidential information that might be embedded within canvas-generated images. The vulnerability essentially allows for unauthorized data exfiltration through the manipulation of canvas elements.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which describes "Information Exposure," and specifically relates to improper access control mechanisms in web browsers. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment." The vulnerability enables attackers to craft malicious web pages that can harvest sensitive data from users' browsers without their knowledge, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. The exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a particularly effective vector for widespread data theft.
The primary mitigation for CVE-2010-3259 involves updating all affected browser implementations to versions that properly enforce access controls on canvas elements. Browser vendors should ensure that their implementations correctly enforce the same origin policy for canvas data access, preventing unauthorized reading of pixel information from images that originate from different domains. Additionally, web developers should be aware of this vulnerability when implementing canvas-based applications and should ensure that their code does not inadvertently expose sensitive information through canvas operations. Security patches for this vulnerability typically involve strengthening the access control mechanisms within the browser's canvas implementation to properly enforce cross-origin restrictions. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and content security policies to further protect against exploitation of this vulnerability.