CVE-2002-2358 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the FTP view feature in Opera 6.0 and 6.01 through 6.04 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the title tag of an FTP URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2358 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that existed in Opera web browser versions 6.0 through 6.04, specifically within the FTP view feature. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and operates as a client-side attack vector that exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the browser's handling of FTP URLs. The flaw manifests when the browser processes FTP URLs that contain malicious content within the title tag, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code that executes in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in the browser's FTP view functionality where it fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters in the title attribute of FTP URLs. When a user encounters an FTP URL with malicious content in its title tag, the browser renders this content without adequate security measures, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute. The vulnerability specifically affects the rendering of FTP directory listings and file information, making it particularly dangerous when users browse FTP servers that may host maliciously crafted URLs. This weakness enables attackers to craft deceptive FTP links that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, can execute malicious code in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to steal user sessions, capture sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently access FTP servers or browse content that may contain untrusted FTP links, making it a significant risk for users in corporate environments where FTP access is common. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically just clicking on a maliciously crafted FTP link, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2358 should focus on both immediate browser updates and defensive programming practices. Users should upgrade to newer versions of Opera where this vulnerability has been patched, as the affected versions 6.0 through 6.04 represent outdated software with known security flaws. Organizations should implement content filtering and URL validation mechanisms to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious FTP links, particularly those containing suspicious title attributes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1562.001 for Impairing Defenses, as proper validation would prevent the execution of malicious scripts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of clicking on untrusted FTP links and the importance of verifying URL authenticity before interaction. Security teams should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in legacy browser versions and ensure that all software components are kept up to date with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive input validation across all user-facing components of web browsers and applications, reinforcing the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for secure coding practices.