CVE-2008-6005 in Amaya Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the CheckUniqueName function in W3C Amaya Web Browser 10.0.1, and possibly other versions including 11.0.1, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via "duplicated" attribute value inputs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6005 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the W3C Amaya web browser version 10.0.1 and potentially affecting version 11.0.1. This issue resides in the CheckUniqueName function which processes attribute values during HTML document parsing. The flaw occurs when the browser encounters duplicated attribute values in HTML markup, creating conditions where attacker-controlled input can overflow buffer boundaries. Such buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively allowing remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic security weakness in input validation and memory management practices.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking within the CheckUniqueName function. When processing HTML documents containing duplicated attribute values, the function fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This oversight creates a scenario where maliciously crafted HTML content can exceed buffer limits and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, addressing heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted HTML pages that contain extended attribute values designed to trigger the overflow during parsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6005 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser process, potentially leading to full system control. This vulnerability affects users who browse the web using the affected Amaya browser versions, making it particularly concerning for environments where this browser is actively used. The remote nature of the attack means that users need not interact with malicious content directly, as simply loading a compromised webpage can trigger the exploit. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique category, specifically related to command and scripting interpreters, since the executed code can include various malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from W3C, as the issue affects specific versions of the browser. Users should also implement network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious HTML content. Additionally, browser security configurations should be reviewed to ensure proper sandboxing and privilege separation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in web browser implementations, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential buffer overflow conditions in their browser environments and implement proper code review processes to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.