CVE-2009-1209 in Amaya
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in W3C Amaya Web Browser 11.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a script tag with a long defer attribute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1209 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in the W3C Amaya web browser version 11.1. This security defect resides within the browser's handling of HTML script elements and specifically affects the processing of the defer attribute. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into stack memory allocations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution attacks, allowing malicious actors to potentially take complete control of affected systems simply by crafting specially formatted HTML content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Amaya browser's HTML parser. When processing script tags containing a defer attribute with excessive length, the application fails to validate the attribute's size before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the browser allocates a limited stack space for storing the defer attribute value without sufficient bounds checking. The flaw directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness class of buffer overflows that occur when data is written beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since it can be exploited through web content delivered over network connections without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1209 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire user environments. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or further network propagation. The attack surface is broad since any user browsing web content through the vulnerable Amaya browser version is at risk, particularly when visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments containing crafted HTML content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting script execution capabilities within web browsers. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond normal web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1209 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the W3C has released corrected versions of the Amaya browser that address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block malicious HTML content before it reaches users. Browser hardening measures including stack protection mechanisms, address space layout randomization, and DEP (Data Execution Prevention) should be enabled to reduce exploitation success rates. Additionally, security awareness training for users about avoiding untrusted web content and maintaining updated software versions remains critical. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in web browser implementations, highlighting how seemingly minor oversights in code can lead to severe security consequences. Users should be advised to avoid using outdated browser versions and to maintain regular updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.