CVE-2008-4695 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 9.60 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information and have unspecified other impact by predicting the cache pathname of a cached Java applet and then launching this applet from the cache, leading to applet execution within the local-machine context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
This vulnerability exists in Opera web browsers prior to version 9.60 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute malicious code within the local machine context. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of Java applet caching mechanisms, where attackers can predict cache pathnames and subsequently execute cached applets with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically exploits the browser's cache management system to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with local machine privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the predictable nature of Opera's cache pathname generation for Java applets. Attackers can enumerate or guess the cache locations where Java applets are stored, then craft malicious requests to execute these cached applets directly from their cached locations. This bypasses normal security boundaries that would typically prevent remote code execution, as the applet executes within the local machine context rather than the restricted browser sandbox. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to escalate privileges from remote web browsing to local machine execution capabilities, creating a significant attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential full system compromise. When executed, the cached Java applet operates with the same privileges as the local user, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive files, modify system configurations, or install malicious software. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest that the vulnerability may enable additional attack vectors beyond the immediate execution context, including potential privilege escalation or information leakage that could facilitate further exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls) classifications, as it exposes system resources and bypasses security mechanisms.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages browser cache behavior to achieve local privilege escalation. The attack requires knowledge of cache pathname generation patterns but does not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing or drive-by download scenarios. Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under attack techniques that involve cache poisoning or path prediction, which fall within the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence tactics. Organizations running affected Opera versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction and provides attackers with local system access that could be used to establish persistent backdoors or exfiltrate sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Opera version 9.60 or later, which addresses the cache pathname prediction issue through improved cache management and security boundary enforcement. Administrators should also implement network-level controls to restrict Java applet execution where possible, as well as monitor for suspicious cache activity patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cache management and the need for robust security boundaries between different execution contexts in web browsers, particularly when dealing with potentially privileged content such as Java applets.