CVE-2004-2570 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 7.54 allows remote attackers to modify properties and methods of the location object and execute Javascript to read arbitrary files from the client s local filesystem or display a false URL to the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2570 represents a critical security flaw in Opera web browsers prior to version 7.54 that fundamentally undermines client-side security boundaries. This vulnerability resides in the browser's handling of the location object within the javascript runtime environment, creating an exploitable path for remote attackers to manipulate core browser functionality. The flaw enables attackers to modify properties and methods of the location object, which serves as a critical interface between the browser's navigation system and javascript applications. This modification capability creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution that can be leveraged to access sensitive local filesystem resources, effectively bypassing the standard security restrictions that should prevent web pages from reading local files. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser sandboxing principles and javascript execution environments, where the location object's manipulation allows attackers to craft malicious javascript payloads that can traverse local file system boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern that aligns with common web application security flaws documented under CWE-20 and CWE-74. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable Opera browsers, modify the location object's properties to redirect or manipulate file access operations. The attack leverages the browser's javascript engine to execute code that can read arbitrary files from the client's local filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data including cookies, configuration files, and user documents. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper access control, where the browser fails to properly validate or restrict javascript modifications to core system objects. The location object manipulation specifically targets the browser's navigation and security model, allowing attackers to craft deceptive user experiences by displaying false URLs to users while simultaneously gaining unauthorized access to local resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential full system compromise scenarios. When exploited successfully, attackers can access local files that may contain sensitive information such as authentication tokens, personal documents, or system configuration data. The ability to display false URLs creates a deceptive environment where users might be tricked into believing they are visiting legitimate sites while actually being exposed to malicious content. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental browser security principles and can be categorized under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for JavaScript execution, while also mapping to T1566 for social engineering through fake web content. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to privilege escalation scenarios where attackers gain access to user accounts and potentially system-level privileges through the exposure of sensitive local files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate browser updates to version 7.54 or later, which contain patches addressing the location object manipulation flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that enforce regular updates and maintain current versions of all browser software. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies that restrict javascript execution and file access permissions, while also deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious javascript payloads targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing layered security approaches that can detect and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should specifically track for attempts to manipulate location objects or access local filesystem resources through javascript, as these patterns represent common exploitation techniques for similar browser-based vulnerabilities.