CVE-2002-1151 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
The cross-site scripting protection for Konqueror in KDE 2.2.2 and 3.0 through 3.0.3 does not properly initialize the domains on sub-frames and sub-iframes, which can allow remote attackers to execute script and steal cookies from subframes that are in other domains.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1151 represents a critical cross-site scripting protection flaw within the Konqueror web browser component of KDE desktop environments. This issue specifically affects KDE versions 2.2.2 and 3.0 through 3.0.3, where the browser's security mechanisms fail to properly initialize domain boundaries for nested web content elements. The flaw stems from inadequate handling of sub-frame and sub-iframe domain initialization processes, creating a security gap that enables malicious actors to exploit the browser's trust model. The vulnerability operates at the core of web browser security architecture where domain isolation principles should prevent scripts from one domain accessing resources or data from another domain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental security boundary between different domains in web browsing environments. When Konqueror processes web pages containing nested frames or iframes, the browser fails to properly establish domain isolation for sub-frames that reference different domains. This improper initialization allows scripts executed within sub-frames to access cookies and other sensitive data from parent frames or other sub-frames, effectively bypassing the same-origin policy that forms the cornerstone of web security. The flaw specifically targets the browser's security sandbox implementation, where domain boundaries should be strictly enforced to prevent unauthorized data access between different security contexts. This issue aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and CWE-352 Cross-Site Request Forgery categories, representing a failure in input validation and security boundary enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution capabilities to encompass full session hijacking and credential theft scenarios. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious scripts into sub-frames that appear to be from trusted domains, enabling them to steal session cookies and other authentication tokens from users browsing compromised websites. The attack vector becomes particularly dangerous in environments where users access multiple domains within a single browser session, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bridge security contexts across different domains. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may be accessing both internal corporate resources and external web services through the same browser instance. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack scenarios including phishing campaigns, malicious website hosting, and social engineering attacks that manipulate users into visiting compromised pages containing malicious frame structures.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require both immediate patch application and architectural improvements to browser security models. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to patched versions of KDE where proper domain initialization for sub-frames and iframes has been implemented. System administrators should prioritize deployment of security updates across all affected KDE installations and conduct thorough testing to ensure that browser security features function correctly. Additional mitigations include implementing Content Security Policy headers on web servers to restrict frame embedding and script execution, as well as deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious frame structures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security boundary enforcement in browser implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of security features in complex web environments. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in web browser security and the necessity for continuous security validation of core browser components.