CVE-2005-1669 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Opera 8.0 Final Build 1095 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via "javascript:" URLs when a new window or frame is opened, which allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions and perform unauthorized actions on other domains.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1669 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Opera 8.0 Final Build 1095 that fundamentally undermines web browser security mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically exploits the browser's handling of javascript: URLs when new windows or frames are opened, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code in the context of other domains. The flaw operates by leveraging the browser's trust model where legitimate javascript: URLs are processed without adequate validation, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML content that persists across domain boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within Opera's URL processing pipeline. When the browser encounters javascript: URLs in contexts where new windows or frames are created, it fails to properly filter or escape the content, enabling attackers to craft malicious URLs that contain embedded script payloads. This issue directly maps to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application includes untrusted data in a new web page without proper validation or escaping, allowing attackers to execute scripts in the victim's browser. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper output encoding where the browser's security context is bypassed through malformed URL handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass serious privilege escalation and access bypass scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users visiting compromised web pages, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or performing operations that should be restricted to authenticated users. The ability to bypass access restrictions means that even if users are logged into secure applications, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious code that can manipulate browser sessions, steal cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites. This particular weakness enables attacks that are particularly dangerous because they exploit the trust relationships between different domains, allowing attackers to inject code that executes with the privileges of the target domain rather than the attacker's own domain.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, particularly focusing on JavaScript. The exploitation pattern involves creating malicious URLs that leverage the browser's native scripting capabilities to achieve unauthorized access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates to patched versions, web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious javascript: URL patterns, and user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers that restrict the execution of inline scripts and limit the ability of malicious code to execute in the browser context. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper URL sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web browser security implementations, as it demonstrates how a single flaw in URL processing can compromise entire browsing sessions and user data integrity across multiple domains.