CVE-2008-5680 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Opera before 9.63 might allow (1) remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted text area, or allow (2) user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long host name in a file: URL. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2008-5178.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5680 represents a critical security flaw affecting Opera web browsers prior to version 9.63, encompassing two distinct buffer overflow conditions that collectively pose significant risks to system integrity and user security. These buffer overflows occur within the browser's handling of specific HTML elements and URL structures, creating pathways for malicious exploitation that can result in arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The first vulnerability manifests when remote attackers craft malicious text area elements that trigger buffer overflow conditions in Opera's rendering engine. This particular attack vector allows adversaries to inject and execute arbitrary code on target systems without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks. The second vulnerability involves user-assisted remote code execution through long host name manipulation within file: URLs, where attackers can construct specially crafted URLs that exceed buffer limits when processed by the browser's URL handling mechanisms. Both vulnerabilities stem from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within Opera's core components.
These buffer overflow conditions directly map to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. The operational impact of these flaws extends beyond simple code execution, as they can enable complete system compromise through privilege escalation, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they can be exploited through web browsing activities that users consider routine, making them difficult to defend against through user education alone.
The attack patterns associated with CVE-2008-5680 align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for client execution through browser-based attacks, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters. These vulnerabilities demonstrate the critical importance of proper input sanitization and memory management in web browser implementations, as they can be leveraged to bypass traditional security controls and execute malicious payloads directly within the user's browser environment. The overlap with CVE-2008-5178 indicates that these vulnerabilities represent different manifestations of similar underlying flaws in Opera's URL handling and text processing components.
Mitigation strategies for these vulnerabilities should focus on immediate browser updates to version 9.63 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious URL patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and opening suspicious email attachments remains crucial, though less effective against the automated exploitation capabilities of these vulnerabilities. System administrators should consider implementing additional security layers including browser sandboxing and privilege separation techniques to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.