CVE-2010-3416 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 6.0.472.59 on Linux does not properly implement the Khmer locale, which 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 • 09/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3416 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 6.0.472.59 on Linux operating systems. This flaw specifically manifests in the browser's improper implementation of the Khmer locale, a Unicode-based writing system used primarily in Cambodia. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and memory management issues, with potential implications for both system stability and security. The Khmer locale implementation contains a flaw that can be exploited through remote attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users may encounter malicious content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from Chrome's handling of Unicode text processing within the Khmer locale context. When the browser encounters text encoded in Khmer script, the improper locale implementation causes memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete system crash. This type of vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption flaw under CWE-125, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in unpredictable behavior. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of internationalization support and memory safety mechanisms, making it a complex issue that requires careful handling of Unicode text processing routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Remote attackers can leverage this memory corruption to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, effectively bypassing standard security measures that protect against conventional web-based exploits. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux version of Chrome makes it particularly relevant for server environments and desktop systems where Linux is the primary operating platform. Attackers can craft malicious web content that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, triggers the memory corruption through the Khmer locale handling code. This creates a vector for privilege escalation and persistent access to compromised systems, with implications for enterprise security and user data protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3416 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 6.0.472.59 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the Khmer locale implementation flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing web content filtering systems that can detect and block potentially malicious content, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted websites. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and restricting browser permissions to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for persistence, indicates that attackers may use this flaw to establish long-term access to compromised systems, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining overall security posture.