CVE-2005-2407 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
A design error in Opera 8.01 and earlier allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code by overlaying a malicious new window above a file download dialog box, then tricking the user into double-clicking on the "Run" button, aka "link hijacking".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated design flaw in Opera web browser version 8.01 and earlier that exploits user interaction patterns to achieve arbitrary code execution. The security issue stems from how the browser handles window management and user interface elements during file download operations, creating a window overlay attack vector that leverages social engineering techniques. The flaw specifically targets the file download dialog box functionality where the browser fails to properly validate or secure the interaction between user interface elements and external window overlays.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on a window hijacking technique where malicious actors can programmatically create a new browser window that appears directly over the existing file download dialog. This overlay window can be crafted to mimic the legitimate download interface, making it difficult for users to distinguish between authentic and malicious elements. The attack requires user interaction through a double-click on what appears to be the legitimate "Run" button, but in reality triggers code execution from the malicious overlay. This design error falls under the category of user interface deception attacks that exploit human factors alongside technical vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. When successful, attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable browser, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical skill from attackers while leveraging the trust users place in familiar browser interfaces. The attack vector demonstrates how browser security can be undermined through design flaws rather than direct exploitation of code vulnerabilities, making it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional security measures.
This vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework, specifically relating to user interaction manipulation and interface deception techniques. The flaw represents a design error that could be categorized under CWE-693 Protection Mechanism Failure, where the browser's security mechanisms fail to properly isolate user interface elements during critical operations. The attack method also relates to CWE-347 Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature, as the browser fails to verify the legitimacy of the user interaction sequence. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust user interface security measures and proper window management protocols to prevent such overlay attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the technical design flaw and the user interaction component. Browser vendors should implement proper window isolation mechanisms that prevent malicious overlays from appearing over critical user interface elements during security-sensitive operations. Users should be educated about the risks of interacting with unexpected dialog boxes and trained to verify the legitimacy of security prompts before taking action. The security community recommends implementing additional verification steps such as explicit user confirmation for potentially dangerous operations, proper window z-order management, and enhanced validation of user interface elements during download operations. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of considering human factors in security design and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both technical and social engineering attacks.