CVE-2010-4576 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
browser/worker_host/message_port_dispatcher.cc in Google Chrome before 8.0.552.224 and Chrome OS before 8.0.552.343 does not properly handle certain postMessage calls, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via crafted JavaScript code that creates a web worker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4576 represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's message passing mechanism within the browser's worker host component. This issue specifically affects the message_port_dispatcher.cc file which handles postMessage communications between web workers and the main browser thread. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and improper handling of certain postMessage calls that are designed to facilitate communication between different execution contexts within the browser environment.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from Chrome's handling of JavaScript web workers, which are designed to run scripts in background threads to prevent blocking the main UI thread. When a web worker attempts to communicate with the main thread using postMessage, the message_port_dispatcher component is responsible for routing these messages properly. However, the vulnerability occurs when malicious JavaScript code creates a crafted web worker that sends specially constructed postMessage calls, triggering a NULL pointer dereference within the dispatcher's processing logic. This type of error falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which represents a common class of software vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly check for NULL values before dereferencing pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack against Chrome browsers. When exploited, the vulnerability causes the browser application to crash and terminate unexpectedly, effectively denying service to the user. This type of attack is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability affects not only standard Chrome installations but also Chrome OS environments, making it a widespread concern across Google's browser ecosystem. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service, as it allows attackers to disrupt normal browser operations through crafted web content.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security architectures where multiple execution contexts must communicate safely while maintaining system stability. Web workers are essential for modern web applications, enabling parallel processing and improved user experience, but they introduce additional attack surfaces when not properly isolated and validated. The flaw highlights the importance of robust input validation in cross-context communication mechanisms and the need for comprehensive error handling in browser components that manage inter-process communication. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to patched versions of Chrome and Chrome OS where this vulnerability has been addressed, as the NULL pointer dereference represents a clear path to application instability and potential information exposure through repeated crashes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in browser security implementations, particularly in components that handle asynchronous communication between different execution contexts.