CVE-2010-4575 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
The ThemeInstalledInfoBarDelegate::Observe function in browser/extensions/theme_installed_infobar_delegate.cc in Google Chrome before 8.0.552.224 and Chrome OS before 8.0.552.343 does not properly handle incorrect tab interaction by an extension, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4575 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's extension handling mechanism that specifically affects the ThemeInstalledInfoBarDelegate component. This issue exists within the browser/extensions/theme_installed_infobar_delegate.cc source file and demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and error handling when processing tab interactions initiated by browser extensions. The flaw manifests when Chrome encounters a crafted extension that attempts to manipulate tab states in an improper manner during theme installation processes, creating a scenario where the application becomes unstable and crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and state management within the Observe function of the ThemeInstalledInfoBarDelegate class. When an extension attempts to interact with tabs in an unexpected or malformed way during theme installation, the function fails to properly validate the extension's tab manipulation requests. This improper handling creates a condition where the application's memory management becomes compromised, leading to an application crash that results in a denial of service. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between browser extensions and the theme installation user interface components, exploiting a race condition or state inconsistency in the extension API handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Chrome users as it can be exploited through user-assisted remote attacks via malicious extensions. Attackers can craft specially designed extensions that, when installed and executed, trigger the problematic code path in the ThemeInstalledInfoBarDelegate::Observe function. The impact extends beyond simple application instability, as the denial of service affects the user's browsing experience and potentially disrupts productivity. The vulnerability affects multiple Chrome versions including those before 8.0.552.224 for standard Chrome and 8.0.552.343 for Chrome OS, indicating this was a widespread issue across the platform's user base. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that users must actively install the malicious extension, but once installed, the vulnerability can be triggered automatically during theme installation processes.
The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1556.002 for "Modify Authentication Process" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter." The flaw represents a failure in the application's exception handling and input validation mechanisms, where the system does not properly account for malformed extension behavior during theme installation processes. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in browser environments where extensions can execute with elevated privileges and access sensitive user data. The exploit requires minimal user interaction beyond installing the malicious extension, making it a relatively simple attack vector to implement. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of robust error handling in browser extension APIs, particularly those that interact with core browser components like the user interface and theme management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4575 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that contain the patched implementation of the ThemeInstalledInfoBarDelegate::Observe function. Users should ensure their Chrome installations are updated to version 8.0.552.224 or later for standard Chrome, and 8.0.552.343 or later for Chrome OS. Organizations should implement extension vetting procedures and avoid installing untrusted or unsigned extensions from unofficial sources. System administrators should consider deploying automated patch management solutions to ensure timely updates across all user devices. Additionally, implementing browser security policies that restrict extension permissions and monitoring for suspicious extension behavior can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper exception handling in browser environments and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in extension APIs.