CVE-2010-1102 in OmniWeb
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in OmniWeb allows remote attackers to bypass intended port restrictions on outbound TCP connections via a port number outside the range of the unsigned short data type, as demonstrated by a value of 65561 for TCP port 25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1102 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the OmniWeb web browser implementation that fundamentally compromises network security controls. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of TCP port numbers during outbound connection attempts, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent established security policies that restrict network access to specific ports. The flaw manifests when the browser processes port numbers that exceed the maximum value representable by an unsigned short data type, which is 65535, thereby enabling exploitation through values that appear to be outside normal operational ranges.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability involves the improper validation and handling of port numbers within OmniWeb's network stack implementation. When a port number exceeding the unsigned short limit is processed, the integer overflow occurs, causing the value to wrap around and potentially fall within the restricted port range that the system should have prevented access to. This creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate network traffic to bypass firewall rules and access restricted services that should be blocked by default security configurations. The demonstration of this vulnerability using port 25 with a value of 65561 illustrates how the overflow allows access to standard SMTP ports that are typically restricted for outbound connections to prevent spam and malicious email transmission.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on OmniWeb for network access, as it undermines fundamental network security boundaries. The ability to bypass port restrictions means that attackers could potentially access internal services, conduct reconnaissance activities, or establish unauthorized communication channels that would normally be blocked by network security controls. This vulnerability particularly impacts email security and network segmentation policies, as it allows unauthorized access to standard network services that are typically protected by port-based restrictions. The attack vector is remote and does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from external networks without physical or authenticated access to the target system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to unexpected behavior in software implementations. This classification indicates that the flaw stems from improper handling of integer arithmetic operations and data type conversions within the application's network processing logic. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol traffic and T1566 for social engineering through email, as it enables attackers to bypass network controls that would normally prevent unauthorized email relay or other network-based attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in network security software can create substantial security risks that undermine the effectiveness of broader security architectures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of OmniWeb, implementing additional network-level controls such as deep packet inspection and more granular firewall rules, and conducting comprehensive network audits to identify any unauthorized access that may have occurred through this vulnerability. The remediation approach should also include monitoring outbound network connections for unusual port access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as implementing network segmentation strategies that reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous network behavior consistent with integer overflow exploitation patterns.