CVE-2007-0705 in Portable Sleipnir
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-zone scripting vulnerability in Sleipnir 2.49 and earlier, and Portable Sleipnir 2.45 and earlier, allows remote attackers to bypass Web content zone restrictions via certain script contained in RSS data. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2017
The cross-zone scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0705 represents a critical security flaw in the Sleipnir web browser and its portable variant, affecting versions up to 2.49 and 2.45 respectively. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of web content zone restrictions within the browser's handling of RSS data feeds, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts across different security zones. The flaw specifically targets the browser's implementation of web content zone isolation mechanisms that are designed to prevent scripts from one zone from accessing or manipulating content in another zone, thereby compromising the fundamental security boundaries that protect user data and system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious scripts embedded within RSS feed data are processed by the affected browsers. These scripts can potentially bypass the normal security restrictions that separate different web content zones, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code across zone boundaries. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it leverages the legitimate RSS data processing functionality of the browser to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging. The attack vector involves the injection of specially crafted script content within RSS feeds that, when processed by the vulnerable browser, can execute code in contexts where it would normally be restricted, effectively breaking down the security model that separates trusted and untrusted web content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who consume RSS feeds from untrusted sources, as it allows attackers to compromise the browser's security model and potentially access sensitive user data or execute malicious actions. The impact extends beyond simple cross-zone script execution, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation within the browser environment. The vulnerability affects both the standard and portable versions of the browser, indicating a systemic issue within the browser's architecture rather than a localized problem. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may be exposed to various RSS feeds from external sources, creating multiple potential attack vectors.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic example of how web content processing can be exploited to bypass security controls. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application." Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected browser versions, implementing strict content filtering for RSS feeds, and configuring browser security settings to restrict cross-zone script execution. Organizations should also consider network-level filtering of RSS feed content and user education regarding the risks of consuming untrusted feeds. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust security boundaries in web browsers, particularly when processing external data feeds that may contain malicious content.