CVE-2010-3417 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 6.0.472.59 does not prompt the user before granting access to the extension history, which allows attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3417 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome versions prior to 6.0.472.59 where the browser failed to implement proper user consent mechanisms for extension permissions. This issue specifically pertains to the extension history access functionality, which is a critical component of Chrome's extension architecture. The vulnerability stems from the browser's failure to prompt users for explicit permission before granting extensions access to browsing history data, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure.
This flaw operates at the intersection of browser extension security and user consent mechanisms, fundamentally compromising the principle of least privilege in web application security. The technical implementation defect lies in Chrome's permission handling system where it automatically grants extensions access to history data without user interaction, despite the sensitive nature of such information. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that attackers could potentially exploit various methods to leverage this permission bypass, including social engineering attacks, malicious extension distribution, or exploitation of other browser vulnerabilities that could be chained with this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential privacy violations and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers who could install malicious extensions or convince users to install compromised extensions could gain access to comprehensive browsing history, including visited websites, search queries, and potentially sensitive personal information. This represents a serious breach of user privacy and could enable sophisticated tracking, credential harvesting, or targeted phishing attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to improper privilege management in browser extension contexts.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given Chrome's widespread adoption and the extensive permissions that extensions can request. The lack of user prompting creates a dangerous precedent where users unknowingly grant extensions access to their browsing history, potentially exposing sensitive information such as financial transactions, personal communications, or confidential business activities. This flaw essentially undermines the user's ability to make informed security decisions regarding their browser extensions, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited across multiple attack vectors. Organizations and individual users who relied on Chrome for daily browsing operations faced potential exposure to surveillance and data compromise through this permission bypass mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3417 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 6.0.472.59 and later, which addressed the permission handling flaw. Users should also implement additional security measures including regular extension reviews, limiting extension installations to trusted sources, and monitoring browser permissions regularly. Organizations should enforce browser security policies that mandate updated browser versions and establish procedures for monitoring extension permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper user consent mechanisms and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1114 for email collection and T1070 for indicator removal, as attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent surveillance capabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and monitoring for suspicious extension behavior to prevent exploitation of similar permission-related vulnerabilities in the future.