CVE-2006-6990 in Enigma Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-domain vulnerability in Enigma Browser 3.8.8 allows remote attackers to access restricted information from other domains via an object tag with a data parameter that references a link on the attacker s originating site that specifies a Location HTTP header that references the target site, which then makes that content available through the outerHTML attribute of the object, a similar vulnerability to CVE-2006-3280.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6990 represents a significant cross-domain security flaw within the Enigma Browser version 3.8.8 that enables remote attackers to bypass domain isolation mechanisms and access restricted content from other domains. This vulnerability exploits the browser's handling of object tags and HTTP headers to create a pathway for unauthorized data exfiltration. The attack vector specifically leverages the data parameter within object tags to reference malicious content hosted on the attacker's originating site, which then manipulates HTTP headers to redirect requests to target domains. The exploitation occurs through the Location HTTP header mechanism that allows the attacker's server to specify where the browser should redirect its request, effectively enabling the retrieval of content from restricted domains through the browser's object handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the browser's improper handling of cross-domain object references and HTTP header processing. When an object tag contains a data parameter pointing to the attacker's site, the malicious server responds with a Location header that redirects the browser to a target domain containing sensitive information. The browser then processes this redirected content and makes it accessible through the outerHTML attribute of the object element, effectively allowing the attacker to extract data from domains they should not have access to. This mechanism operates similarly to other cross-domain vulnerabilities by exploiting the browser's trust model and its handling of HTTP redirects within embedded content contexts. The vulnerability specifically demonstrates weaknesses in how the browser enforces cross-domain security boundaries when processing object elements and HTTP headers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to represent a serious threat to web application security and user privacy. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive data from other domains including but not limited to user session information, confidential documents, internal network resources, or protected API endpoints that should be restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited across multiple domains and applications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users interact with multiple trusted domains. The similarity to CVE-2006-3280 indicates this represents a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting browser implementations that fail to properly enforce cross-domain security policies when processing embedded content and HTTP headers. This type of vulnerability can be particularly devastating when combined with other attack vectors or when targeting high-value assets such as financial applications, healthcare systems, or government portals.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require addressing both the browser implementation issues and implementing defensive measures at multiple layers of the web application architecture. Browser vendors should ensure proper enforcement of cross-domain security policies when processing object elements and HTTP headers, implementing strict validation of content references and redirect destinations. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent malicious object references and HTTP header manipulation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing arbitrary code execution through improper input handling, and reflects patterns found in ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploit for lateral movement through web application vulnerabilities. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious object tag usage and HTTP header patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular browser updates and security patches are essential to address implementation flaws in cross-domain security mechanisms, while application developers should implement additional security controls such as strict content security policies and proper input validation to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their applications.