CVE-2005-1091 in Maxthon
Summary
by MITRE
Maxthon 1.2.0 and 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to bypass the security ID and use restricted plugin API functions via script that includes the max.src file into the source page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1091 represents a critical security flaw in Maxthon web browser versions 1.2.0 and 1.2.1 that exposes the browser to unauthorized access through improper security boundary enforcement. This issue specifically targets the browser's plugin API functionality and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the application handles cross-domain script execution and security context validation. The vulnerability arises from the browser's failure to properly enforce security restrictions when processing external script files, particularly those that include the max.src file which serves as a core component for browser plugin interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's scripting environment by allowing malicious actors to inject scripts that can manipulate the browser's security model. When the max.src file is included in a webpage source, it creates an opportunity for attackers to bypass the security ID mechanisms that are designed to restrict access to sensitive plugin API functions. This occurs because the browser does not adequately validate the origin or authenticity of the included script file, nor does it properly enforce the security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to restricted functionality. The flaw essentially allows attackers to escalate privileges within the browser context by leveraging the legitimate plugin API access mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users of affected Maxthon versions as it enables remote code execution capabilities through web-based attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to plugin functions that should remain restricted, potentially allowing them to perform actions such as modifying browser settings, accessing user data, or executing arbitrary code within the browser environment. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in widespread exploitation scenarios. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the browser's security architecture.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution. Organizations using affected Maxthon versions face potential data breaches, privacy violations, and system compromise risks. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management within web browser security models. To mitigate this risk, users should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Maxthon, implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls, and conduct security audits of browser configurations. Browser vendors should implement stricter validation of script inclusion mechanisms and enhance their security boundary enforcement to prevent similar issues in future releases.