CVE-2008-4795 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
The links panel in Opera before 9.62 processes Javascript within the context of the "outermost page" of a frame, which allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4795 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Opera web browser versions prior to 9.62. This security issue specifically affects the links panel functionality within the browser's frame handling mechanism, creating a dangerous condition where malicious JavaScript code can be executed in the context of the outermost page rather than the intended frame. The flaw stems from improper sanitization of user-controllable input within the browser's frame navigation system, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution context of JavaScript code. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper isolation between different browsing contexts, as outlined in security best practices for web browser design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Opera processes links within its links panel feature, which operates on frames that contain multiple nested browsing contexts. When a user interacts with a maliciously crafted link in the panel, the browser fails to properly isolate the JavaScript execution context, enabling the outermost page's security context to be compromised. This creates a scenario where attacker-controlled JavaScript can execute with the privileges and permissions of the parent page, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser. The flaw operates at the browser's rendering engine level, specifically affecting how frame boundaries are handled during link processing, and represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and context management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS attacks, as it provides attackers with a persistent vector for executing malicious code within the victim's browser environment. Attackers can craft malicious links that, when clicked in the Opera links panel, will execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the outermost page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or redirecting users to malicious sites. This vulnerability affects users who rely on Opera's links panel feature for navigation, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content or links from third-party sources. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering techniques, where attackers convince users to click on seemingly benign links that contain malicious JavaScript payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4795 require immediate browser updates to version 9.62 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly isolate frame contexts during link processing. Users should also implement additional security measures including browser security extensions, content filtering systems, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable Opera versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a specific implementation weakness in browser security model enforcement. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under initial access techniques involving web-based exploitation, specifically targeting browser client-side vulnerabilities that allow for code execution in privileged contexts.