CVE-2002-2332 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Opera 6.01 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via an IMG tag with large width and height attributes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2332 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the Opera web browser version 6.01, specifically affecting how the application processes image tags in web pages. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when handling the width and height attributes of html img elements, creating a condition where maliciously crafted web content can trigger unexpected behavior in the browser's rendering engine. The vulnerability falls under the category of software security flaws that can lead to system instability and potential exploitation by attackers seeking to disrupt normal browser operations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the Opera browser encounters an img tag containing exceptionally large width and height attribute values. The browser's internal buffer allocation for processing these attributes fails to properly validate the input size, allowing an attacker to provide values that exceed the allocated memory space. This overflow condition typically manifests as a stack buffer overflow or heap buffer overflow depending on the specific implementation details within the browser's image processing code. The vulnerability 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, making it an ideal candidate for remote code execution or denial of service attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for users who browse the internet with Opera 6.01 installed, as it can be exploited to cause arbitrary crashes of the browser application. The denial of service aspect means that legitimate users may experience unexpected browser termination when viewing compromised web pages, potentially disrupting their workflow and productivity. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the buffer overflow condition could theoretically be extended to allow for code execution if proper exploitation techniques are applied. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may be browsing untrusted websites or where the browser is used in critical applications.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a clear example of the importance of proper input validation and memory management in software development, aligning with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw also relates to attack techniques categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework in the context of initial access and execution phases, where adversaries might use such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access or disrupt services. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to the latest Opera browser versions, while also implementing network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious websites. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in mitigating risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
The broader implications of CVE-2002-2332 demonstrate how seemingly minor implementation flaws in browser rendering engines can create significant security concerns, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including fuzzing and memory corruption analysis during software development cycles. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of why modern browsers implement extensive security measures such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigations to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from being successfully exploited in real-world scenarios.