CVE-2008-3667 in Maxthon Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Maxthon Browser 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Content-type HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3667 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Maxthon Browser versions 2.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the browser's handling of HTTP response headers, specifically the Content-type header field. The flaw occurs when the browser receives a maliciously crafted HTTP response containing an excessively long Content-type header value, which exceeds the allocated stack buffer space. Such buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser process. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. This type of vulnerability represents a common attack vector that has been consistently identified in web browsers and network applications over many years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious HTTP response with an overly long Content-type header value that exceeds the stack buffer capacity allocated by the Maxthon browser. When the browser attempts to process this malformed header, the excessive data overflows the designated buffer space and corrupts adjacent memory, potentially overwriting return addresses or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through standard web browsing activities, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices in the browser's HTTP header processing routines, where insufficient bounds checking allows unconstrained data to be written to fixed-size buffers. This weakness is consistent with the broader category of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that have historically plagued web browsers and network applications, making it a classic example of the need for robust memory management practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to potentially compromise entire user systems and data integrity. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, modify browser behavior, or even establish persistent backdoors within the victim's system. The remote nature of the attack means that users could be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or receiving compromised web content through various attack vectors such as phishing emails or compromised web services. The vulnerability affects a significant portion of users running older versions of Maxthon browser, creating a wide attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors. Organizations relying on legacy browser versions for business operations face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as it could lead to data breaches, credential theft, and unauthorized access to corporate networks. The exploitation of this flaw aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Exploitation for Code Execution' technique, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to run malicious code on target systems. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for users who may not regularly update their browser software, leaving them exposed to known exploits that have been documented and patched in newer versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3667 focus primarily on immediate remediation through software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective approach involves upgrading to Maxthon browser versions that contain patches addressing this buffer overflow vulnerability, which typically include proper bounds checking and input validation for HTTP headers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies that ensure all browser installations are kept current with security updates. Network administrators can deploy intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious HTTP header patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Browser security configurations should include enhanced sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, as part of their broader defensive strategies against advanced persistent threats.