CVE-2005-3041 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified "drag-and-drop vulnerability" in Opera Web Browser before 8.50 on Windows allows "unintentional file uploads."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3041 represents a significant security flaw in the Opera web browser version 8.49 and earlier on Windows platforms. This unspecified drag-and-drop vulnerability creates a scenario where users may inadvertently upload files to web servers without their explicit consent or knowledge. The flaw exploits the browser's handling of drag-and-drop operations within web pages, specifically when users interact with file upload interfaces that utilize this functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and security controls during the drag-and-drop process, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the browser's behavior to execute unauthorized file transfers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's failure to properly validate file paths and destinations during drag-and-drop operations. When users drag files onto web page elements designed for file uploads, the browser should verify that the operation occurs within legitimate boundaries and that the user intends to upload specific files. However, the flaw in Opera 8.49 and earlier versions allows for manipulation of the drag-and-drop process to bypass normal security checks. This can result in files being uploaded to unintended servers or locations, particularly when the browser's security model fails to distinguish between legitimate user actions and maliciously crafted drag-and-drop sequences.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to users who browse the internet and interact with web forms that utilize drag-and-drop functionality for file uploads. The unintentional nature of the vulnerability means that users may unknowingly compromise their systems or data when they perform routine browsing activities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that appear legitimate but contain hidden drag-and-drop elements designed to automatically upload files from the victim's system. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized file transfers, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, system compromise, or the execution of additional malicious payloads through the uploaded files.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of how user interface interactions can create security gaps in web browsers. The flaw also connects to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute commands through uploaded malicious files. Additionally, it relates to T1566, the use of social engineering tactics through deceptive file upload interfaces, where users are tricked into unknowingly performing actions that compromise their systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in web browser implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of user interaction elements.
Organizations and users should immediately upgrade to Opera version 8.50 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual file upload patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Browser security policies should include restrictions on drag-and-drop functionality in sensitive environments, and users should be educated about the risks associated with interacting with untrusted web content. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload operations and maintaining updated antivirus signatures that can identify malicious files uploaded through such vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical importance of regular security updates and comprehensive testing of browser components, particularly those involving user interaction mechanisms that could be exploited for unauthorized data transfers.