CVE-2009-2067 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera detects http content in https web pages only when the top-level frame uses https, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary web script, in an https site s context, by modifying an http page to include an https iframe that references a script file on an http site, related to "HTTP-Intended-but-HTTPS-Loadable (HPIHSL) pages."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2067 represents a significant security flaw in Opera's handling of mixed content within secure web environments. This issue specifically affects how Opera processes HTTP content embedded within HTTPS web pages, creating a dangerous scenario where attackers can exploit the browser's inconsistent security detection mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from Opera's selective detection of HTTP content only when the top-level frame utilizes HTTPS, leaving a critical gap in security validation for embedded content that may be loaded through HTTPS frames but contains HTTP references.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated man-in-the-middle attack vector that leverages the HPIHSL (HTTP-Intended-but-HTTPS-Loadable) page concept. An attacker can modify an HTTP page to include an HTTPS iframe that references a script file hosted on an HTTP site, effectively bypassing Opera's security mechanisms. This technique allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of an HTTPS site, creating a false sense of security for users who believe they are browsing in a secure environment. The flaw essentially creates a trust boundary violation where HTTP content can be injected into HTTPS contexts without proper security warnings or restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that users expect from HTTPS connections. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can inject malicious code that operates with the full privileges of the HTTPS site, potentially accessing user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive data. The attack can be particularly insidious because users typically trust HTTPS sites and may not notice the presence of malicious HTTP content within embedded frames. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-611, which addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting, as it enables the execution of arbitrary scripts within secure contexts.
The security implications of this vulnerability highlight a critical flaw in browser security model implementation, where the detection and handling of mixed content becomes inconsistent based on frame hierarchy rather than content security. This inconsistency creates multiple attack surfaces that can be exploited by adversaries who understand the browser's specific behavior patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in security frameworks can create significant risks, as Opera's approach of only checking top-level frame security conditions leaves embedded HTTP content unvetted. Mitigation efforts should focus on implementing comprehensive content security policies that evaluate all embedded content regardless of frame hierarchy, ensuring that HTTP content within HTTPS contexts triggers appropriate security warnings and restrictions. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why security models must be robust and consistent rather than conditional on specific frame or context scenarios, as defined in industry best practices for secure web browsing implementations.