CVE-2010-4036 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome before 7.0.517.41 does not properly handle the unloading of a page, which allows remote attackers to spoof URLs via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4036 represents a significant security flaw in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 7.0.517.41, specifically concerning the browser's handling of page unloading mechanisms. This issue falls under the broader category of web browser security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to manipulate user perception of web content authenticity. The flaw manifests in how Chrome manages the transition between web pages, particularly during the process of unloading current content and loading new content. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate URL display in the browser's address bar, creating a deceptive environment where users may be misled about the true destination of their navigation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from Chrome's improper implementation of page unloading protocols that should ensure seamless transitions between web pages while maintaining proper URL representation. When a browser unloads a page, it typically updates the address bar to reflect the new location. However, in affected versions of Chrome, this process contained a flaw that allowed malicious actors to manipulate the URL display even after the browser had navigated to a different page. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers to present misleading information to users who may not notice the discrepancy between what they expect to see and what the browser actually displays.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception, as it can be leveraged to create sophisticated phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. Users may be tricked into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on URL verification as a security measure, as the browser's visual indicators become unreliable. This flaw represents a breach in the browser's user interface security model, where the visual confirmation mechanism that users trust becomes compromised, undermining fundamental security assumptions about web navigation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy, particularly those involving user interface manipulation and deception. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper state management in browser components and the critical nature of maintaining user trust in security indicators. The flaw likely relates to CWE-124, which addresses "Buffer Underflow" in contexts where improper memory management can lead to security vulnerabilities, though the specific implementation details suggest this may be more closely related to improper handling of state transitions or UI updates. Organizations and individuals relying on Chrome for web browsing should have been particularly concerned about this vulnerability, as it directly impacted user confidence in the browser's security features and could have been used in targeted attacks against specific user groups or organizations.
The remediation for this vulnerability required updating to Chrome version 7.0.517.41 or later, which implemented proper page unloading mechanisms that maintain accurate URL representation throughout navigation transitions. Security researchers and browser vendors should have prioritized this issue due to its potential for facilitating phishing attacks and user deception. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper state management in web browsers, particularly in components that directly interact with user perception and trust. Modern browser security practices have since evolved to include more robust mechanisms for preventing such UI manipulation attacks, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessment and timely patch deployment to maintain user confidence in digital security systems.