CVE-2007-4224 in Konqueror
Summary
by MITRE
KDE Konqueror 3.5.7 allows remote attackers to spoof the URL address bar by calling setInterval with a small interval and changing the window.location property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4224 affects KDE Konqueror version 3.5.7, representing a significant security flaw in web browser address bar spoofing capabilities. This issue stems from the browser's handling of JavaScript execution contexts and the timing mechanisms used to update the user interface. The vulnerability specifically exploits the interaction between the setInterval function and window.location property manipulation, creating a condition where malicious web content can deceive users about the actual destination of their web navigation.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the exploitation of JavaScript's asynchronous execution model within the Konqueror browser environment. When attackers utilize setInterval with minimal time intervals, they can repeatedly modify the window.location property to redirect the browser's address bar display to a malicious URL while the actual navigation may be directed elsewhere. This creates a deceptive user interface element that can mislead users into believing they are visiting a legitimate website when in fact they are being directed to a different location. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the browser's rendering layer, directly affecting user trust in the displayed address information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it can enable more sophisticated social engineering campaigns. Attackers can create convincing fake login pages or fraudulent financial sites that appear legitimate to users who are unaware of the address bar manipulation. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.001 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and CWE-601 for URL Redirection to Untrusted Site by a Web Application. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in browser security model implementation where the user interface presentation does not accurately reflect the underlying navigation state.
Security implications of this vulnerability include potential data theft, credential harvesting, and unauthorized financial transactions. Users who rely on the address bar for verifying website authenticity may be misled into trusting malicious sites, particularly when the spoofed URLs appear similar to legitimate domains. The vulnerability also exposes the broader issue of browser security boundaries where client-side JavaScript execution can manipulate user interface elements without proper validation. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a larger attack surface that includes client-side exploits and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve both immediate remediation and architectural improvements. The most direct solution is upgrading to a newer version of Konqueror where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper synchronization of address bar updates with actual navigation events. Browser vendors should implement stricter controls over JavaScript execution contexts that modify user interface elements, ensuring that address bar updates occur only after confirming the actual navigation state. Additionally, implementing content security policies and strict origin validation can help prevent malicious scripts from manipulating the browser's display elements. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to such client-side exploitation techniques.