CVE-2009-3015 in QtWeb
Summary
by MITRE
QtWeb 3.0 Builds 001 and 003 does not properly block javascript: and data: URIs in Refresh and Location headers in HTTP responses, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via vectors related to (1) injecting a Refresh header that contains a javascript: URI, (2) entering a javascript: URI when specifying the content of a Refresh header, (3) injecting a Refresh header that contains JavaScript sequences in a data:text/html URI, (4) entering a data:text/html URI with JavaScript sequences when specifying the content of a Refresh header, (5) injecting a Location header that contains JavaScript sequences in a data:text/html URI, or (6) entering a data:text/html URI with JavaScript sequences when specifying the content of a Location header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3015 affects QtWeb 3.0 Builds 001 and 003, specifically targeting the web browser's handling of HTTP response headers that control page redirection and refresh behavior. This issue represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits improper input validation in the browser's processing of Refresh and Location headers, which are standard HTTP headers used for automatic page redirection. The flaw stems from the browser's failure to adequately sanitize or block potentially malicious URIs that could contain executable JavaScript code, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious content into web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the QtWeb browser processes HTTP responses containing Refresh or Location headers that reference javascript: or data: URIs. These URI schemes are inherently dangerous because they can execute code directly within the browser context without proper sanitization. The vulnerability manifests in six distinct attack vectors that all exploit the same underlying flaw in URI validation. Attackers can manipulate the Refresh header to contain javascript: URIs that execute malicious scripts when the browser processes the header, or they can embed JavaScript sequences within data:text/html URIs that are then interpreted as executable content during redirection operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of the affected QtWeb browser versions as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser session. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Refresh and Location headers are commonly used in legitimate web applications for navigation and redirection purposes, making the exploitation less obvious to users and security monitoring systems. The vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including server-side manipulation of HTTP headers, man-in-the-middle attacks, or by compromising web servers that improperly handle these headers. This creates a persistent threat that could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities that compromise user security.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages. Organizations using affected QtWeb versions should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the browser, implementing proper header validation at network boundaries, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URI patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browser software up to date. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and URI sanitization in web browser implementations, particularly when handling HTTP headers that control navigation behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing security policies that restrict the use of potentially dangerous URI schemes in HTTP responses and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual header patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.