CVE-2007-0126 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Opera 9.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a JPEG file with an invalid number of index bytes in the Define Huffman Table (DHT) marker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0126 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Opera web browser version 9.02. This flaw exists within the image processing subsystem that handles jpeg file parsing, specifically when encountering malformed jpeg files containing invalid index bytes within the Define Huffman Table DHT marker. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during the parsing of jpeg compression tables, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. The issue manifests when the browser attempts to process a specially crafted jpeg file that contains malformed DHT markers with incorrect index byte counts, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, out-of-bounds write, as the application writes beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through web-based delivery, where an attacker can host a malicious jpeg file that, when viewed in Opera 9.02, triggers the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059.007, command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. The heap corruption occurs during the decompression process when the jpeg decoder attempts to parse the Huffman table structure, specifically when handling the number of index bytes specified in the DHT marker, which is not properly validated against the actual data available in the file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant escalation from a browser-based security issue to a potential full system compromise. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow could allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the browser process, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system infiltration. The vulnerability affects users who browse the web with Opera 9.02, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access untrusted websites or receive email attachments. The exploitation requires no special privileges beyond the ability to deliver a malicious jpeg file through a web browser, making it a particularly attractive target for automated attacks or social engineering campaigns. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenge of image processing libraries in web browsers, where complex file format parsers can introduce numerous attack surfaces that are difficult to fully validate against malicious inputs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates, as Opera released version 9.03 and subsequent releases that addressed the buffer overflow condition. Users should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all browser installations are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional defense-in-depth by scanning for and blocking known malicious jpeg files. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing and privilege separation can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of image processing components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, emphasizing the need for thorough testing against malformed inputs and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent buffer overflows in critical system components.