CVE-2009-3017 in Orca Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Orca Browser 1.2 build 5 does not properly block 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 JavaScript sequences in a data:text/html URI, (2) entering a data:text/html URI with JavaScript sequences when specifying the content of a Refresh header, (3) injecting a Location header that contains JavaScript sequences in a data:text/html URI, or (4) entering a data:text/html URI with JavaScript sequences when specifying the content of a Location header; and does not properly handle javascript: URIs in HTML links within 302 error documents sent from web servers, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via vectors related to (5) injecting a Location HTTP response header or (6) specifying the content of a Location HTTP response header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3017 affects Orca Browser version 1.2 build 5 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that stems from inadequate handling of data and javascript URIs in HTTP response headers. This security weakness manifests in the browser's improper validation and sanitization of Refresh and Location headers within HTTP responses, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical flaw resides in the browser's failure to properly filter or block data: URIs when they appear in HTTP response headers, specifically in Refresh and Location fields. When a web server responds with a Refresh header containing a data:text/html URI that includes JavaScript sequences, or when a Location header contains similar malicious content, the browser fails to recognize these as potentially dangerous constructs. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the HTTP response level, meaning that even if the server itself is secure, malicious content can be injected through these headers and executed by the vulnerable browser. The flaw extends to javascript: URIs within HTML links found in 302 error documents, where the browser does not properly handle these potentially malicious URI schemes, allowing attackers to craft crafted responses that will execute arbitrary code when the user interacts with the error page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or being redirected to one. Attackers can leverage vectors 1 through 4 by crafting HTTP responses that contain malicious data:text/html URIs in Refresh or Location headers, which will execute when the browser processes these headers. Additionally, vectors 5 and 6 allow for exploitation through 302 error documents where javascript: URIs are embedded in HTML links, providing multiple pathways for successful attacks. The vulnerability affects the browser's security model by bypassing normal content validation mechanisms, essentially allowing malicious code to be executed in the context of the user's session with the target website, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) within the CWE taxonomy, representing a classic case of insufficient input sanitization. The attack vectors align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1211 (Exploitation for Defense Evasion) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations should treat this vulnerability as a high-priority issue requiring immediate remediation through browser updates, as the attack surface is broad and the exploitation requires minimal user interaction. The remediation strategy should focus on updating to a patched version of Orca Browser, implementing network-level filtering of suspicious HTTP headers, and potentially deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious header content. Security teams should also consider implementing user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.